Sept. 18, 1999

MADISON, Wis. -

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee came out playing like a well-oiled machine when it took on No. 13 UW-Madison tonight in the keynote game of the Wisconsin Challenge. But the Panthers just weren’t slick enough to keep their winning streak alive, dropping to 10-1 overall on the season. The Panthers won the two team’s first match-up on Sept. 1, splitting the state crown this year with each team garnering one win this season.

The Panthers took an early lead, taking the first game, 15-11, with the Panthers hitting .256 compared to the Badgers’ .056 hitting percentage. The Badgers came back strong in game two, topping the Panthers 9-15, and improving their hitting percentage significantly to .355.

In the third game, the Panthers started slow, down at one point 2-10. They rallied back to come within three, but were never able to catch up, dropping the game, 7-15. In the fourth game, UWM battled with the Badgers point for point, leading at one point 6-5, when the Badgers took control of the game, bringing it to 6-12. The Panthers scored only one more point, losing the game 7-15.

“Their ball control this match really stepped up from our last match,” said head UWM coach Kathy Litzau. “They passed a lot better and were able to find their middle, stressing our block.”

Allyson Ross led the Badgers with 13 kills and a .429 hitting percentage, along with Sherisa Livingston, who had 13 kills, 5 blocks. On defense, Erin Byrd had 17 digs and 2 block assists. For the Panthers, Laura Dallenbach led the Panthers with 13 kills, 2 service aces, 10 digs and one block assist. Ericka Malterer added 12 kills, 5 blocks and 2 block assists. Malterer and Sue Raschka were both named to the Wisconsin Challenge All-Tournament Team. Wisconsin-Madison’s Kelly Kennedy was named Tournament MVP.