Nov. 12, 2006
DALLAS (SMU) -
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The Mustangs powered past Rice this afternoon, 3-2 (30-27, 30-26, 27-30, 26-30, 15-13). SMU is now 16-14 on the season and 7-9 in Conference USA play. Four Mustangs notched double-digit in kills.
The Mustangs totaled a season-high of 102 digs while the team's total of 16 total blocks is the second best this season. Caitlin Rainbird posted another double-double with 15 kills and 21 digs. She also posted two blocks. Natalie Peters totaled 16 kills and nine blocks. Rachel Giubilato compiled another double-double as she had 19 kills and tied her career-high of 29 digs. She also had two blocks.
Madison Hill directed the offense with 57 assists, seven digs and two assists. Candice Davis tied her career-high of 32 digs and she added one ace and one kill. Kendra Kahanek totaled 14 kills and six blocks while Adrienne Zielasko had five blocks and two digs. Jenny Reyes had two service aces and eight digs for the Mustangs while Stefanie Kons posted two digs.
Rice jumped out to a start in the first game but the Mustangs slowed their momentum causing several ties and then taking over at the 13-13 mark. While Rice would compile a late run and tie the score again, the Mustangs put the winning series together with a Rice service error and a kill from Rainbird for the, 30-27, win. SMU posted three quick points in game two and then never let the Owls get close. The Mustangs held the advantage through the whole game and coasted to a, 30-26, win.
SMU took the initial upper hand in game three but before the first dozen points Rice took over. The Mustangs fought back, retaliating with a late run, but it was not enough to get past Rice as they fell, 30-27. SMU could not get their momentum going in game four as the Owls posted a few long rallies of unanswered points to contain the Mustangs, 30-26.
In the final game, the lead went both ways through the first few points before Rice took the advantage. The Mustangs rallied to tie the score a few more times and at the 13-13 mark, Giubilato slammed two kills to take the, 15-13, win.
The Mustangs earned the eighth seed in the C-USA Championship and will face number nine seed, Southern Miss at 12 p.m. on Thurs., Nov. 16.
