PHILADELPHIA - Temple and Cleveland State battled it out in a grueling five-game match that the Owls ultimately won. Temple took the first two games, 30-22, 30-25, then CSU fought back and won games three and four, 25-30, 23-30. It all came down to game five when Temple posted a 15-13 win.
Temple's success in the first two games came down to defense. Katrina Mullins did a great job playing defense and covering her hitters the entire night. She ended the night with 14 digs behind Yue Liu who contributed 16 digs and 20 kills. Yue Liu led the team by example hitting right through the blocks or using them to her advantage. Christina DeMarco did her part adding 16 kills on the night.
The first two games the Owls came out like a team should, communicating, working together and making smart plays. In games three and four, the intensity was still there; however, Cleveland State brought their power. After a huge Patricia Vernon's (8 kills, 6 blocks) block landed over everyone's head, Temple was tied 15-15. Towards the end of the game the Owls' defense fell apart enough for Cleveland State to take the game. Game four brought just as much fight from both teams, but Cleveland State simply overpowered TU, breaking through the Owl blockers.
It came down to the wire in game five. With the help of the positive encouragement from Mullins and Maira Mogollon sets, who dished up 44 assists for the match, Temple was able to finish the Vikings off in the end. Jessica Waybrant put her finishing touches on the match, ending game five with a huge block followed by an outstanding kill.
Christina DeMarco, Yue Lui, and Patrica Vernon were named on the all tournament team and Yue Lui also earned the honor of tournament MVP.
Temple travels to Delaware on Tuesday, August 29 for its first road match of the 2006 season.
