Sept. 22, 2001
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Although the Purdue volleyball team gave a valiant effort against the No. 17 team in the country on Saturday, it was not enough to stop the 30-21, 30-24, 30-24 Minnesota decision. The Boilermakers drop to 1-7 (1-1 Big Ten), while the Golden Gophers improve to 8-2 (2-0 Big Ten).
"You can't tell this Purdue team by its record," head coach Jeff Hulsmeyer said. "They believe in themselves and the way they play. They try extremely hard to take care of business on and off the court. They are going to be successful and fan support is going to be a major factor."
The Boilermakers scrappy play was met by the tough Minnesota offensive attack.
"Minnesota has a great offensive run by serious effort," Hulsmeyer said. "It is really tough to stop them. They are a really balanced team that distributes the ball well."
Senior Maegan Petersen led the Boilermaker effort with nine kills and four digs.
The Boilermakers stayed close on Minnesota's heels to start Game 1. After being tied 6-all, the Gophers got out to an 11-8 lead. Minnesota went on a 10-5 run to take a 21-13 advantage. The Boilermakers made good on a service error by Minnesota and an ace by sophomore Joanna Lowry to get within six. But Purdue's effort was not enough as the Gophers went on to win 30-21.
Although the Old Gold and Black only recorded eight errors on 32 attempts in Game 2, it was not enough to hold off Minnesota. The Boilermakers were defeated 30-24 in Game 3.
Purdue will head to Ohio State and Penn State.