Sept. 2, 2006

DALLAS (SMU) - The Mustangs came from a two game deficit to defeat Toledo in a thrilling five game set to win, 3-2 (17-30, 22-30, 30-27, 30-28, 15-13). With this win, SMU won the Radisson Hotel Mustang Classic and advanced to 6-1 on the season.

Mustang Natalie Peters was named MVP of the Classic while freshman Candice Davis was named Libero of the Tournament. Peters nailed 15 kills, nine digs, 18.0 points and got her hands on six blocks as Davis accounted for 27 digs. Caitlin Rainbird was also named to the All-Tournament team. She registered another double-double on the season posting 14 kills and 14 digs.

Freshman Kendra Kahanek had ten kills on 19 attempts for an average of .263. Kahanek added one block and assisted in five. Rachel Giubilato registered another double-double as she hit a career high of 27 kills and a season high of 23 digs. Her 78 attack attempts was also a career high. She collected season highs in two more categories as she calculated 29.0 points and four blocks.

The Mustangs were not able to get started in the first two games, but kept a steady fight through game three to pull out the win. In game four the Mustangs had an attack percentage of .289 with 27 digs to rally past Toledo. Toledo led the whole way until the Mustangs knotted the score at 26-26 with Madison Hill serving. SMU went on to get three more points before a kill from Toledo bringing the score to 29-28. Kahanek put the game away with a kill down the middle.

In game five it was the late rally again that lifted the Mustangs over Toledo. Toledo was ahead 13-10 when Davis went up to serve. With four kills from Giubilato, a kill from Peters and error from Toledo the Mustangs claimed game five, the match and the championship.

SMU hit the road to Los Angeles, California as they will participate in the LMU Invitational, Sep. 8-9 and then will head home on Sep. 12 to take on Conference USA foe, Tulsa.