Dayton Flyers

Sept. 4, 2010

Box Score | Live Blog

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – No. 20 Dayton fell to eighth-ranked Minnesota – host of the 2010 Diet Coke Classic – in straight sets on Saturday night at the Sports Pavilion (20-25, 13-25, 15-25).

“I thought we played soft – and that’s not us – and I thought we panicked a little bit too early – and that’s not us,” Head Coach Kelly Sheffield said. “Our ball control was poor, our serving didn’t put enough pressure on them and those are two important parts of the game. Minnesota responded from the loss this morning exactly how elite teams do – they come back and punch you in the mouth. We’ll have the opportunity to comeback and respond to this loss and I’m interested to see how we do that.”
 
Minnesota (5-1) recorded a hitting percentage of .352 on Saturday night – the highest rate that the Flyers (5-1) have allowed since a .376 rate was given up at Saint Louis on Nov. 23, 2008.

The first set saw its share of suspense with nine tied scores before the Golden Gophers put UD away 25-20, and never gave up the lead for the remainder of the match. Tabitha Love notched 17 kills with a .412 hitting percentage to earn tournament MVP honors.

Sophomore outside hitter Rachel Krabacher and senior middle Lindsay Fletemier were named to the all-tournament team. Krabacher paced the Flyers in kills (38) for the weekend and registered two double-doubles, while Fletemier posted 28 kills and 20 blocks through three matches.

On Saturday night, Fletemier stood out for the Flyers with 11 kills and five blocks for a total of 13.5 points.

It is just the first time since Sept. 18 of last season at No. 6 Michigan that Dayton volleyball was swept in three sets.

The Flyers return to action at the Ameritas Players Challenge next Thursday against host No. 2 Nebraska at 8 p.m. ET. UD also faces No. 6 Illinois and Western Michigan in the Challenge.