EVANSTON, Ill. – Utilizing double-digit blocks, the No. 20 Purdue volleyball team (11-4, 3-3 Big Ten) swept Northwestern (9-9, 0-6 Big Ten) for a second time this season. The Boilermakers defeated the Wildcats by scores of 25-22, 25-19, 25-18 Saturday night at Welsh-Ryan Arena.
Saturday's victory marks Purdue's fifth consecutive victory against the Wildcats. Overall, the Boilermakers improve to 58-28 all-time against the Big Ten foe.
At the net, the Boilermakers out-blocked the Wildcats 10 to four. Purdue's solid defensive effort was highlighted by three solo stops from freshman Maddy Chinn.
Offensively, sophomore Grace Cleveland continued her dominance with match-high 15 kill on 37 attempts. The outside hitter also registered seven digs and four assisted blocks.
Feeding Purdue's offense was a match-high 28 assists from redshirt sophomore Hayley Bush, while junior Jena Otec guided the back row with a match-best 14 digs.
HOW IT HAPPENED
SET 1 (25-22) | The Big Ten foes delivered a competitive opening, tying the first frame 12 times. Knotted at 19, four consecutive Northwestern miscues gave Purdue the advantage. Leading 23-22, Purdue closed the set on a Cleveland kill and a combo block from redshirt senior Blake Mohler and Cleveland.
SET 2 (25-19) | Much like the first set, Purdue and Northwestern opened the second frame going point-for-point. Tied at 16, a kill from redshirt senior Shavona Cuttino sparked a 7-0 Boilermaker run. The Wildcats answered with a 3-0 run, forcing the Boilermakers to a timeout. Refocused, Purdue capitalized on a Northwestern service error with a block from Cuttino and Cleveland, winning the set 25-19. Overall, the Boilermakers outhit and out-blocked the Wildcats in the set, .222-.024 and 4-1, respectively.
SET 3 (25-18) | Delivering its best hitting percentage of the night with a .314 showing, Purdue closed the match with a seven point lead. The effort was paced by four kills from Cleveland and a combined six kills from Mohler and Chinn.
UP NEXT
Purdue continues its conference road swing with a trip to Nebraska, Wednesday Oct. 16. The Boilermakers and the Huskers are set to face-off on ESPNU at 9 p.m. ET.
Saturday's victory marks Purdue's fifth consecutive victory against the Wildcats. Overall, the Boilermakers improve to 58-28 all-time against the Big Ten foe.
At the net, the Boilermakers out-blocked the Wildcats 10 to four. Purdue's solid defensive effort was highlighted by three solo stops from freshman Maddy Chinn.
Offensively, sophomore Grace Cleveland continued her dominance with match-high 15 kill on 37 attempts. The outside hitter also registered seven digs and four assisted blocks.
Feeding Purdue's offense was a match-high 28 assists from redshirt sophomore Hayley Bush, while junior Jena Otec guided the back row with a match-best 14 digs.
HOW IT HAPPENED
SET 1 (25-22) | The Big Ten foes delivered a competitive opening, tying the first frame 12 times. Knotted at 19, four consecutive Northwestern miscues gave Purdue the advantage. Leading 23-22, Purdue closed the set on a Cleveland kill and a combo block from redshirt senior Blake Mohler and Cleveland.
SET 2 (25-19) | Much like the first set, Purdue and Northwestern opened the second frame going point-for-point. Tied at 16, a kill from redshirt senior Shavona Cuttino sparked a 7-0 Boilermaker run. The Wildcats answered with a 3-0 run, forcing the Boilermakers to a timeout. Refocused, Purdue capitalized on a Northwestern service error with a block from Cuttino and Cleveland, winning the set 25-19. Overall, the Boilermakers outhit and out-blocked the Wildcats in the set, .222-.024 and 4-1, respectively.
SET 3 (25-18) | Delivering its best hitting percentage of the night with a .314 showing, Purdue closed the match with a seven point lead. The effort was paced by four kills from Cleveland and a combined six kills from Mohler and Chinn.
UP NEXT
Purdue continues its conference road swing with a trip to Nebraska, Wednesday Oct. 16. The Boilermakers and the Huskers are set to face-off on ESPNU at 9 p.m. ET.