Nov. 10, 2006
DALLAS (SMU) -
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The SMU volleyball team swept Houston tonight, 3-0 (30-24, 30-23, 31-29). The Mustangs made history as this was SMU volleyball's debut on national television and the first volleyball match ever broadcasted from Moody Coliseum. Records fell and three Mustangs notched double-doubles in front of the largest crowd this season, home or on the road.
SMU is now 15-14 on the season and 6-9 in Conference USA play. This was the second time this season and ninth meeting in history between the two squads as the Mustangs took wins over Houston in both match-ups this season. As a team, the Mustangs set a new blocking record for three games with total of 17 blocks.
The Mustangs had many players shine in the spotlight. Natalie Peters put down 10 kills along with 10 blocks, tying the three-game record for blocks. Peters had three solo blocks which ties the record for solo blocks in a match. Rachel Giubilato nailed 20 kills and 11 digs while Caitlin Rainbird also posted a double-double with 11 kills and 11 digs. Rainbird also notched four blocks. Madison Hill directed the offense with 40 assists, two kills, five digs and a career-high of six blocks. Kendra Kahanek had eight kills and seven blocks while Adrienne Zielasko had one assist, one digs and one block. Including the game and match winner, Candice Davis served up two aces while pulling out 17 digs. Jenny Reyes served one service ace for the Mustangs while posting one assist and four digs.
There were nine ties and five lead changes in game one. SMU notched the initial point but Houston began with a spark that quickly dwindled when the Mustangs battled back to tie the score at 6-6. From that point, there were seven more ties till the Mustangs took over for good at 16-16. SMU held off Houston for the, 30-24, win as Peters placed the final serve in game one for an ace. Giubilato had 11 kills in game one alone as the Mustangs combined for an attack percentage of .326.
The Mustangs used the momentum of the first game to cruise through game two. SMU dominated the net as Houston tried to make a late run that came to a screeching halt with a put down by Peters. Houston could not even get close to SMU as the Mustangs posted an attack percentage of .303 with 15 kills. SMU began game two with the lead and held one cruising to the, 30-23, win.
The third game saw five ties and two lead changes within the first 10 points. The Mustangs went ahead with the lead, but Houston fought back to bring five more ties late in the game. Houston caught-up at 21-21 and managed to take the lead for a brief time. The Mustangs continued to fight and after Houston posted their 29th point, the Mustangs rallied with four unanswered points including the service ace from Davis to win the game and the match, 31-29.
SMU concludes their regular season play this Sunday at 1:00 p.m. against Conference USA foe, Rice. The Mustangs will honor senior Jennette Evanco at the afternoon match. The Conference USA Championship is going to be hosted by Houston this year and will begin Nov. 16.
