Aug. 29, 2009

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COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Trailing two sets to none against Youngstown State, the University of Maryland volleyball team answered with three consecutive wins to fend off defeat and post an exciting victory Saturday afternoon on the second day of the Spring Hill Suites at Arundel Mills Maryland Invitational.

The Terps (2-0) dropped the first two sets, 25-21 and 25-23, respectively, heading into the intermission break, but answered with wins by scores of 25-15, 25-17 and 16-14.

Despite dropping the first two sets, Maryland regrouped during the 10-minute break and dominated the third set. Tied at six points apiece, freshman libero Sam Rosario led the Terps on a big run, serving seven straight points, including three service aces, to build a 14-6 Maryland lead.

The Penguins (0-2) never threatened after that and the Terps cruised to a 10-point win to extend the match.

Two kills each from Maddi Lee and Lisa Scott helped the Terps build an early 6-2 lead in the fourth set and they never trailed from there. The Penguins got within four, but no closer, as Maryland's defense stepped up to limit Youngstown to 17 points.

Now tied at 2-2 with momentum clearly on the Terps' side, Maryland seemed to be running away with the fifth and decisive set, grabbing a 12-7 lead.

However, the Penguins mounted a furious rally. The serving of Brittany McNeal led the Penguins on a 6-1 run to tie the score at 13-13. In the end, Maryland stayed strong and never surrendered the lead. Tied at 14, Maryland clinched the victory with back-to-back kills from Lee and Kara Bates.

Lee paced the Terps for the second straight match, finishing with 18 kills while Bates chipped in 15. Scott notched eight kills and four blocks.

Ruth Boscaljon led the Penguins with 15 kills.

The Terps face Villanova later tonight at 7 p.m. for the tournament championship.

- TERPS -