Nov. 17, 2001
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Purdue volleyball team dropped its last road match of the season in a 25-30, 21-30, 30-25, 28-30 decision Saturday night at No. 21 Illinois. The Boilermakers fall to 4-23 (1-17 Big Ten) on the season, while the Fighting Illini improve to 19-7 (12-6 Big Ten).
Senior Maegan Petersen lead Purdue with 16 kills for Purdue. Sophomore Joanna Lowry recorded 14 kills and a team-high 20 digs. Classmate Eryn Leach turned in 10 kills and senior Lori Knicker had 13 digs.
After being defeated in Games 1 and 2, Purdue got out to a 5-2 lead to start Game 3. Both teams played tough, tying at the 10, 11 and 13 marks, before the Boilermakers went on a 7-4 run to take a 20-17 lead. The Illini went on a 4-1 run of their own to tie the game 21-all. A kill from Leach, two service aces from Knicker and a couple of out-of-bounds errors from Illinois gave Purdue a 27-21 lead. The Boilermakers went on to score three more and take the 30-25 win.
The Old Gold and Black overcame a 23-15 Illini lead to get within two at the 27-25 mark of Game 4. Purdue went on a 3-2 run to get within one at 29-28, but the Illini fought to avoid a Game 5.
The Boilermakers will play their last two matches of the season against Wisconsin and Northwestern. Senior night will be celebrated in the match against the Wildcats.