Riverdale, NY (September 3, 2004)- The Manhattan College Invitational Tournament began today at Draddy Gymnasium as Michigan defeated Maryland-Eastern Shore in the first match 3-0, (30-18, 30-22, 30-17), while American defeated Manhattan in the nightcap by a score of 3-0 (30-27, 30-16, 30-21).
In the second match, the first game was a back and forth affair, as the game was tied at 7-7 early. American then took the lead, stretching it to 19-13 at one point, but Manhattan battled back and got within two points of American on four different occasions late in the game. Manhattan closed the lead to 29-27, but American tallied the final point and took the first game, 30-27.
American quickly got out to a 6-2 lead in the second game and built on its lead throughout the stanza, and took the second game 30-16. The third game was a hard fought battle and the two teams again were tied at 7-7 at one point. But again, American pulled away. The Lady Jaspers came within five points (19-14), but that was as close as they came and American took the match in three games.
Megan O'Dorisio notched eight kills while
Allison O'Neill had seven kills to lead a balanced attack for Manhattan. Cutrina Biddulph recorded 11 kills and a .588 hitting percentage for American, which posted a .309 hitting percentage as a team. American is now 1-0, while Manhattan falls to 1-1.
In the opener, Michigan was led by Candace Gay, who posted nine kills, and Lisa Gamalski, who handed out 28 assists and hit three service aces. Jana Milin led Maryland-Eastern Shore with a match-high 15 kills and six digs. Michigan improves its record to 2-0, while Maryland-Eastern Shore drops to 1-1.
The tournament will continue tomorrow at 9am, as Manhattan will square off against Michigan. Maryland-Eastern Shore then will play back-to-back games, taking on American at 11am and Manhattan at 2pm. The tournament then will conclude at 4pm, as Michigan will face American.
