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AU Defeated by Michigan State in AVC Finale
Kucerkova racks up 22 kills

Cutrina Biddulph notched 14 kills versus Michigan State.

September 20, 2003 | Stats

WASHINGTON -- American University fought Michigan State close all evening, but finally came up on the short end of a 3-1 match score. It was the final match of the American Volleyball Classic

Karla Kucerkova (Olomouc, Czech Republic/Brno) led the way with 22 kills and six digs. She had 42 on the day. Sabrina Vasconcelos (Fortalezza, Brazil/Colegio Christus) sparked AU's offense against the Spartans with 44 sets.

American got off to a slow start in the first game of the night, eventually losing by 11, 30-19. In the second game AU made more of a run, but again lost, this time by eight, 30-22. It was during the third game that the Eagles played the game of the day. At no time during the match did either team hold more than a two-point lead, which AU eventually won in overtime, 36-34. Trailing 34-33, Natacha Cornaz (Lausanne, Switzerland/Gymnase Auguste Piccard) took a set from Vasconcelos and got a kill. She then set up Cutrina Biddulph (Reseda, Calif./Granada Hills) for another point. Finally, Cornaz set up Kucerkova for the 36th and final point of the game.

In the fourth game the Eagles had a late rally, but came up short. After trailing 21-16 the Eagles got to within one at 27-26 on an error by the Spartans. That would be as close as AU would get though, as Michigan State won the final three points of the game and the match.

Cornaz finished with 12 kills and a .435 kill percentage while Biddulph collected 14 kills and a service ace.

Kucerkova made the American Volleyball Classic All-Tournament squad. It is the fourth time this year she has made an all-tournament squad. Vasconcelos also made the squad.

American is now 3-8 and begins Patriot League play this week when Lehigh makes the trip to Bender Arena. The Eagles will take on the Mountain Hawks on Thursday, September 25th, at 7:00 p.m.

Match Summary
Kills: American 61; MSU 90
Attack Percentage: American .246; MSU .412
Blocks: American 0; MSU 3
Assists: American 52; MSU 84