Temple University Athletics
Zhang Has Career Day At The Net But Volleyball Loses To Xavier, 3-2
10.6.07 | Women's Volleyball
Oct. 6, 2007
PHILADELPHIA-Sophomore Yun Yi Zhang had a career day at the net, posting a match-high 33 kills and just eight errors, but it was not enough as Temple dropped a close, 3-2 match to Xavier on Saturday afternoon at McGonigle Hall. The Owls hung tough, forcing 33 tie scores and 11 lead changes but fall to 5-15, 1-3 in the A-10. Xavier improves to 16-6 and a perfect 6-0 in Conference play.
The Owls were on fire in games one and two, with .433 and .326 hitting percentages, respectively. Zhang's 17 kills helped Temple to win games one, 30-22, and game two, 30-23. Just when it seemed Temple was going to close out the match with its third set, the Musketeers came charging back to take games three and four, 30-25 and 30-26. Temple hung close throughout each game, but could not seem to deny a fifth and final game. Xavier used nearly a 70% hitting percentage to put the Cherry and White away, 15-6, in game five.
Patricia Vernon was also an offensive force, tallying 18 kills and four block assists. Yue Liu wasn't far behind with 17 kills. Defensively, the Owls were paced by Sun Ying Ling (19 digs) and Jacqueline Cowden (seven block assists). Ariel Pierre and Jackie Morrison continued to be strong in the middle with 33 and 30 assists, respectively.
Temple next hosts Philly rival La Salle on Tuesday, October 9 at 7 p.m. The day will also feature the annual Dig For the Cure benefit. For every dig TU records, it will donate money to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Pledges will also be accepted throughout the month of October.
