Sept. 28, 2007
NCAA Box Score
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EL PASO, Texas (SMU)-- The Mustangs pulled out a 3-1 win over the UTEP Miners Friday night, improving their record to 11-6 and 1-2 in conference play. The Miners fall to 6-9, 0-4 in conference.
Three Mustangs notched double-doubles in the match. Junior setter Stefanie Kons recorded 50 assists and 15 digs (one kill shy of a triple-double), while senior Caitlin Rainbird tallied 15 kills, 16 digs and freshman Kathryn Wilkerson added another 12 kills and 18 digs.
Sophomore libero Candice Davis tallied 30 digs on the night, a new four-game career high. Freshman Caitlin Adair hit .353 on the night, with nine kills, while junior Natalie Peters paced the offense with 17 kills.
In a repeat of game three, the Mustangs took the first four points of the fourth game. SMU held a commanding lead through the first 44 points of the game, never allowing UTEP closer than three points. But the Miners continued to pressure the Mustangs, finally tying the game at 26 apiece. The teams tied four more times and sent the game into extra points before the Mustangs took the game.
The Mustangs jumped out to a quick lead in the third game, taking the first four points. The Miners cut the lead to one before SMU managed to put five more points between them. UTEP was not going quietly, however, and again cut the lead to one. Despite a few close calls, the Mustangs were able to hang on and put the game out of reach. The Mustangs held the edge in kills, aces and blocks and out-hit the Miners, .191 to .143.
Game two was a battle for the Mustangs. SMU scored first, but the Miners built a six point lead early in the game. The Mustangs struggled to keep up and eventually managed to knot the score at 21, but UTEP hung on for the win. The teams were tied in aces and blocks, but the Miners held the advantage in kills.
UTEP took the first four points of game one, but the Mustangs fought back, chipping away at the Miners' lead. SMU finally tied the game at 10 all, and took the lead with the next point. The two teams traded the next several points before the Miners jumped ahead with their 18th point. The Miners built a three point lead, but the Mustangs were able to cut it to one before tying the score again (21-21). The teams tied four more times, but SMU was able to pull out the win.
The Mustangs are back in action Sunday as they face the Tulane Green Wave in New Orleans at 1pm. SMU returns home to host Rice and Houston next weekend, Oct. 5 and 7. For complete schedule, results and live stats, log on to SMUMustangs.com.
