Oct. 8, 2003
vs. OSU/PSU Match Notes in PDF Format
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EVANSTON, Ill. - Northwestern will try to earn a Big Ten win at home while looking to put a winning streak together as it hosts Ohio State and Penn State this weekend at Welsh-Ryan Arena.The 'Cats are coming off a road split last weekend, falling to No. 22 Minnesota (34-32, 30-26, 34-32) and sweeping Iowa (30-16, 30-19, 30-22).
Ohio State is also coming off a split, beating Indiana in three (30-24, 30-28, 30-24) before falling to Purdue in four (27-30, 30-25, 30-22, 30-20). In Big Ten play, the Buckeyes have also dropped games to Michigan and Michigan State.
Penn State, currently No. 11 in the country and first in the Big Ten, has only suffered one loss this season.That loss, at BYU, took place nearly a month ago on Sept. 13, coming in five games (21-30, 30-27, 30-23, 26-30, 15-13).That was the first of three matches to go five games for the Nittany Lions, with last weekend's conference matches also going to five.
Senior Erika Lange (Orland Park, Ill./Carl Sandburg) was one of the Big Ten's top performers last weekend, averaging 4.3 kills and 1.7 blocks per game as the 'Cats split at Minnesota and Iowa. She recorded 14 kills and hit .565 in the victory over the Hawkeyes.
Sophomore Christie Gardner (West Bend, Wis./West Bend East) also had a strong match for NU, serving 12 consecutive points including two service aces, plus four digs in game one at Iowa. Her 11 total digs were second on the team as were her three block assists.
Freshman Lauren Greenwood (Brantford, Tenn./Brantford) came off the bench to ser ve in games two and three. Greenwood served the final six points of game two , including two service aces, as well as the winning point of game three.
Friday is Kids' Club Night as well as High School/Middle School night. Members of the Wildcat Kids' Club will receive free admission with a valid membership. All high school/middle school students and their families can purchase tickets for only $1.
Saturday is Family Fun Night at Welsh-Ryan Arena when the Wildcats take on Penn State. Families can receive four tickets, four hot dogs, and four small sodas for only $20. That's 50 percent off if purchased separately. Additional tickets may be purchased for $3 each.