VCU OVERCOME BY LONG ISLAND AT BLACKBIRD CHALLENGE, 3-1
9-29-06
Box Score

BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Senior Melissa Peterson (Ganado, Ariz.) (pictured) hit .364 and sophomore Ana Luiza Bernardes de Borja (Florianopolis, Brazil) slammed 14 kills on a .290 hitting percentage in Virginia Commonwealth University’s 3-1 loss (30-25, 30-27, 19-30, 30-18) to Long Island at the Blackbird Holiday Inn Express Challenge Friday at the Wellness, Recreation and Athletic Center.

VCU (7-8) got 11 kills and five blocks from Peterson, while de Borja added eight digs. Senior Renata Salvatori (Londrina, Brazil) chipped in with five kills and eight blocks for the Rams, who out blocked the Blackbirds, 14.0 to 7.5.

After falling into a 2-0 hole, VCU showed signs of life, hitting .324 in Game Three on the way to a 30-19 win. Four players had three kills in the game for the Black and Gold, including sophomore Elisa Kuehnel (Dresden, Germany) who also had three blocks.

However, the Rams hit -.049 in the fourth and deciding game, compared to LIU’s .290, and the Blackbirds (9-8) capitalized with a 30-18 triumph to clinch the match.

Martina Wagner led Long Island with 18 kills, 17 digs and two aces, while Shelby Heggie contributed 14 kills and three blocks.

The Tournament continues for VCU tomorrow with a pair of matches. VCU spars with South Dakota State at 12 p.m., followed directly at 2 p.m. with a match against Sacred Heart.