(May 2, 2002)

Minnesota Defeats Thunder
Chill takes 2-1 USPV Championship Series Lead

CHICAGO IL (May 2, 2002) The Minnesota Chill defeated the Chicago Thunder 3-1 Thursday night to take a 2-1 series lead in the best-of-5 U.S. Pro Volleyball (USPV) championship at the Saint Xavier University Shannon Center.

Chicago won the first game 25-17, but then lost the next three games by scores of 27-25, 25-22 and 28-26. Chicago also won the first game in Match 2, but wound up losing 3-2. Minnesota won the first game in Match 1, but lost 3-1.

"We passed a little more consistently and we served more consistently and more aggressively after the first game," said Chill outside hitter Mary Coleman, who grew up five minutes away from Saint Xavier in Chicago and had 15 points, including 11 kills Thursday.

Minnesota is the only team to win at Saint Xavier this season (2-0). The Chill took a 5-4 season series lead. Kristee Porter led Chicago with 16.5 points, including 12 kills.  Kelly Kennedy added 10.5 points, including 6.5 blocks. Terri Zemaitis-Boumans chipped in with 11 points, 6 kills and 4 blocks.

Match 4 takes place Sunday at Saint Xavier University's Shannon Center. If Chicago wins Sunday; the deciding Match 5 will be played Wednesday, May 8 in Rochester, Minn.

USPV Championship
Best-of-5
Thursday's result
Minnesota d. Chicago 3-1 (Minnesota leads series 2-1)

Sunday's match
Minnesota at Chicago 3 p.m. (Saint Xavier University)

Wednesday, May 8 match
Chicago at Minnesota, 7 p.m. (if necessary)

[Source: Mike Miazga, Director Media Relations, and USPV, (847) 344-6554 (cell)]