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Bulldogs Fall to No. 10 Wisconsin in Falcon Invitational Championship
Sept. 3, 2005
Fighting illness and fatigue, Butler dropped a three-game decision to No. 10 Wisconsin in the championship match of the Air Force Academy Falcon Invitational Saturday afternoon. Junior Susana Henri had a match-high 11 kills, while Megan Knightly had 12 digs for the Bulldogs. With the win, Wisconsin improves to 3-0 with the 30-16, 30-18, 30-10 victory and wins the invitational. Butler falls to 3-2 on the year. Henri and Knightly suffered from altitude sickness in the team's second match Friday, but didn't tell the coaching staff until after the four-game loss to Air Force. Butler coaches were uncertain of their availability until right before the first serve. Both players were able to battle through to keep personal streaks going. Henri had 10+ kills for the fourth straight match and Knightly posted double-figure digs in her 35th consecutive outing. "This was a good test for us against a strong opponent in Wisconsin," said Butler associate head coach Karen Weatherington. "Our young players made contributions, but it was tough to have to rely on our youngsters with some of our leadership suffering from illness. Meg and Suz both battled for us, even being sick. We're looking forward to Purdue coming to Hinkle on Wednesday night." Sheila Shaw had 11 kills for the Badgers, leading the way. Jocelyn Wack had 18 digs for Wisconsin, one of two Badgers in double-figures. Wisconsin hit .394 for the match, while holding the Bulldogs to a .000 mark. Butler returns to Hinkle Fieldhouse Wednesday (Sept. 7) in the team's marquee home match of the season, hosting in-state foe Purdue at 7 p.m. The Boilermakers received votes in the CSTV/AVCA preseason coaches poll and stand just outside the Top 25. Butler and Purdue have split the last two meetings between the schools with each winning on its home court. The match is a "Code Blue" game, meaning those who show up in Butler apparel will have a chance to win prizes from Butler Athletics during the match.
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