Sept. 3, 2005

St. Francis (Pa.) Final Stats | Duquesne Final Stats

PITTSBURGH - Cleveland State (3-1) swept its way to the Duquesne Invitational title, defeating St. Francis (Pa.), 30-20, 30-14, 30-19 and the host Dukes, 30-19, 30-27, 30-27, to finish a perfect 3-0 on the weekend. Viking junior middle hitter Danielle Siefker was named the tournament Most Valuable Player after hitting .542 (32-6-48) with 13 blocks in the three victories.

In CSU's first match on Saturday, the Vikings hit .315 (33-10-73), while the Red Flash (1-4) posted just a .010 (27-36-98) hitting percentage. CSU recorded season-highs for blocks (12.5) and aces (10) in the victory.

Siefker paced the Vikings with 11 kills, a .500 hitting percentage and eight blocks. Senior opposite Nickole Kennedy added eight kills and five blocks, while senior outside hitter Emily Clark tallied 10 digs and three aces.

In the championship match, CSU took control by erasing a 19-11 deficit in the second game. The Vikings out-hit Duquesne .317 (57-18-123) to .196 (43-16-138) and held a 54-44 advantage in digs.

Kennedy led all players with a season-high 17 kills and a .351 hitting percentage. Siefker tallied 12 kills and a .588 hitting percentage, while senior outside hitter Jenna Maddocks notched a double-double with a dozen kills and 15 digs.

Monica Tinsley paced the Dukes (3-2) with 11 kills.

"Our ball control was really good, our passing was excellent and our blocking was solid all weekend," CSU head coach Chuck Voss noted. "While it was a total team effort, Danielle's performance really stood out."

Clark and Kennedy joined Siefker on the all-tournament team.

Cleveland State is in action again on Tuesday, Sept. 6 when the Vikings host 12th-ranked Ohio State at 7:00 p.m. in Woodling Gymnasium. Call (216) 687-4848 for ticket information.