MILWAUKEE, Wis. – The Cleveland State volleyball team, which advanced to the Horizon League semifinals for the 10th time under head coach Chuck Voss, fell to top-seeded Milwaukee Saturday, ending the season with a 16-13 record.
Set scores against the Panthers were 25-23, 25-21, 23-25, 25-15.
The Viking offense was led by the trio of Christina Toth, Kerry Winchester and Maggie Hannon, who each tallied double-digit kills. Toth had a team-high 12 kills, while Winchester added 11 and Hannon tallied 10. Nikki Holmes had a team-high 16 digs, while Winchester added 13 for her second double-double of the year. Kelly Kiger tied her career-high with a match-high eight blocks on the night.
After dropping the first two sets, the Vikings came out strong during the third frame, controlling play from beginning to end. CSU was able to gain an early eight-point lead at 11-3 with strong front row play including offense and a strong blocking effort. The Vikings were able to hold at least a five-point advantage over the next few possessions – holding a 20-15 lead and looking to close out the set. The Panthers were able to climb their way back into the frame though, posting a 5-1 run to come within one point of the Vikings at the 21-20 mark. Despite the Milwaukee comeback, the Vikings were able to close out the frame on kills from Hannon and Toth and a Panther error.
The Vikings weren't able to continue their momentum though, as Milwaukee came out firing during the fourth set, claiming the 25-15 victory.
The Panthers (17-10) will now take on the winner of the (No. 2) Valparaiso – (No. 5) Youngstown State semifinal contest for the 2013 Horizon League title.
