Nov. 18, 2000

CLEVELAND - The UWM women's volleyball team saw their hopes of a MCC Tournament championship dashed in the semifinals Saturday evening, as Butler broke the Panthers' 14-match winning streak with a 9-15, 15-6, 9-15, 15-12, 15-13 victory.

"Butler came ready to play, especially their seniors who didn't want their careers to end," coach Kathy Litzau said. "Butler earned the win."

Junior Chrissy Schurla led UWM with 21 kills and a .341 hitting percentage. Juniors Laura Dallenbach and Julie Yankus added 18 kills apiece. Freshman Lindsey Spoden collected 69 assists.

The Panthers won a share of the regular season MCC championship with Loyola and were ranked fifth in the Midwest Region. But, the loss may have eliminated UWM from contention for an NCAA Tournament berth despite a 23-4 record.

UWM returns every player from this year's squad next season, when the Panthers will host the MCC Tournament.

"This should make us even more hungry for next year," Litzau said. "With the tournament in Milwaukee, we'll definitely make sure it's a goal to win the tournament next year."