Dayton Flyers

Aug. 29, 2009

Final Stats

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The University of Dayton Flyers picked up a gritty five-set win derailing No. 19 Purdue 3-2 in the final match of the Mortar Board Premier (25-23, 25-20, 17-25, 22-25, 15-11).

This marks the second consecutive time the Flyers have won the Mortar Board Premier. Dayton also won the tournament in 2007 after sweeping Purdue, North Carolina and Utah.

"As a team, after winning the first two and losing the next two, and then trailing early in the fifth set--I thought we showed a lot of toughness," said head coach Kelly Sheffield.

All-American middle blocker Lindsay Fletemier was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament. Rachel Krabacher and Becky Novacek were also named to All-Tournament team.

UD led the first two sets gutting out a 25-23 win in the first set, while following that up with a 25-20 win in the second set. Purdue responded after the break picking up the next two sets and taking an early edge in the fifth set. However, key points late in the match would help the Red and Blue prevail.

Four Flyers posted double-digit kill numbers. All-American middle blocker Fletemier notched 15 kills for a .379 attack efficiency. Krabacher added 14 kills and Novacek posted 11.

Junior transfer Amanda Cowdrey had a double-double in the match after 13 kills and 16 digs. Freshman libero Paige Vargas posted 13 digs on the night.

"Paige showed a lot of toughness, they were going at her relentlessly in the match and she did a great job of handling the onslaught," said Sheffield. "Chelsy Christoff did what senior captains are supposed to do. She was a spark in game five with her serving and defensive play.

Freshman setter Hannah Clancy paced the Flyers with 27 assists, however, veteran Kacie Hausfeld finished just behind her with 26.

"I think we learned a lot about our team," said Sheffield. "It was a good win against a great team. But, it was just one weekend. We all feel good about it, but Monday will be a time to get better."

The Flyers head to Kalamazoo, Mich. for the Bronco Invitational next Friday where they will meet Illinois State at 5:00 p.m. ET. Dayton will also play Wake Forest and Western Michigan, who they hosted in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in 2008.