Tulane University
SMU
Tulane Volleyball Holds off SMU, 3-1
Oct 22, 2006 | Women's Volleyball
Oct. 22, 2006
Dallas, Texas - The Tulane Green Wave volleyball team fended off a late charge by the SMU Mustangs for a 3-1 (30-21, 30-27, 18-30, 30-27) win Sunday at Moody Coliseum. The Green Wave completed a sweep of the season-series behind sophomore outside hitter Sara Radosevic, who led Tulane with 21 kills, while adding 10 digs.
Tulane improves to 11-8 overall, 7-3 in C-USA.
"This young team learned a valuable lesson today, that chance favors the team that is willing to fight to the whistle every time," said head coach Liz Kritza. "Despite some sloppy play at time we escaped with a win against a team which has a record that is not indicative of its play."
Freshman outside Ksenija Vlaskovic added 14 kills and 13 digs - one off her career high. Freshman setter Rachel Lindelow chipped in a 39 assists and a career-high 15 digs. Freshman libero Jenn Miller added 26 digs. Senior middle blocker Sara Thorson helped Tulane record 12 total blocks, with two solo and six block assists. Sophomore outside Bridget Wells added eight solo blocks and eight kills. The Green Wave held an 84-68 edge in digs for the match.
"Sara Radosevic stepped up as a leader today, being the lone captain on the floor, with different personnel today," Kritza added. "Our middle blockers and Bridget Wells used their size to their advantage."
Tulane jumped out to a 9-5 lead in game one and never trailed, taking the first frame 30-21. In game two, the Green Wave surged out to a 8-1 lead from the start and fended off a late run by the Mustangs for a 30-27 win. The Mustangs used a 15-9 run to seize control of game three, extending the match with a 30-18 win. Tulane closed out game four with a 8-5 run to end the match, 30-27.
SMU falls to 11-14 overall, 4-6 C-USA. The Mustangs were led by Rachel Giubilato's 18 kills.
The Green Wave is back in Fogelman Arena Friday for a Conference USA match against UAB at 7 p.m. The home stand continues Sunday, as Tulane plays host to Memphis. The Tigers are tied for third with Tulane in C-USA play. Live statistics for both matches will be available via Gametracker on TulaneGreenWave.com.
