Aug. 30, 1997

Illini Outlast Cavaliers to Grab Jefferson Cup

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - Illinois used 20 kills from Tracey Marshal to complete a 3-2 come-from-behind-victory over Virginia in the final game of the 1997 Jefferson Cup. The win gave Illinois a perfect 4-0 mark and the tournament title. Virginia suffered its first loss of the season as they fell to 3-1 on the season.

Many of Claire Folga's game-high 22 kills came in the second and third games, as Virginia bounced back from a slow start to grab a two games to one lead. Shannon Wahlers and Jessica Parsons both finished with 16 kills, while Mary Frances Scott tallied a game-high 73 assists for Virginia.

Trailing 13-10, Illinois stormed back in game four to keep the game alive. Both Marshall and Laura Haselhorst (12 kills) helped key the run for the Illini.

With the score tied at six in the decisive fifth game, Illinois went on a 4-0 run. Melissa Beitz assisted on ever point during the run as she finished with 60 assists on the evening. Cristy Prentice, Mary Coleman, and Beitz collected 11 kills in the win for Illinois.

Virginia returns to action Tuesday, September 2, when they travel to James Madison for a 7:00 pm match against the Dukes. 

Saturday, August 30, 1997
Delaware def  Coastal Carolina, 3-2
Illinois def. Liberty, 3-0
Virginia def. Coastal Carolina, 3-1
Liberty  def. Delaware, 3-0
Illinois def. Virginia, 3-2
1997 Jefferson Cup Final Standings
                    W   L
Illinois            4   0
Virginia            3   1
Coastal Carolina    1   3
Liberty             1   3
Delaware            1   3
1997 Jefferson Cup All-Tournament Team
Melissa Bates, Illinois (MVP)
Cristy Chapman, Illinois
Paula Prentice, Illinois
Claire Folga, UVa
Amy Mitchell, UVa
Jessica Parsons, UVa
Emma Prouse, Coastal Carolina
Kristen Merrill, Delaware
Leanna Miller, Liberty