Aug. 27, 2010
Box Score 
Season Stats
WACO, Texas (SMU) --- The SMU volleyball team defeated the Butler Bulldogs, 3-1 (25-16, 18-25, 25-18, 25-10), in the first match of the Baylor Invitational on Friday afternoon. Outside hitters Dana Powell and Kathryn Wilkerson both notched double-doubles in the Mustangs' season-opening win.
Powell, who was named to the 2010 Conference USA Preseason Team, finished with 14 kills and 12 digs for SMU (1-0). Wilkerson tallied 11 kills, 12 digs and two aces. Setter Kelli Becerra totaled 34 assists and junior outside hitter Jessica Oliver added nine kills and two service aces in the Mustangs' victory.
SMU received strong offensive play throughout the match and finished with a .258 attacking percentage while holding the Bulldogs to a .088 clip. The defense was led by four players scoring ten or more digs and senior Caitlin Adair notched 10 of the team's 26 blocks.
The Mustangs gained early momentum by taking the first set 25-16. After Butler (0-1) tied the match by winning the second set, 25-18, the Mustangs retook the lead with a 25-18 win in the third set. Despite being down 12-5, the Bulldogs charged back to tie the set up at 18-18, before the Mustangs pulled away with seven straight points.
SMU closed the door on the match by dominating the fourth set, 25-10. The Mustangs jumped out to an early 10-2 and maintained the lead throughout.
With today's win, the Mustangs are now 2-0 against Butler all-time and 9-6 in season openers.
The SMU volleyball team dedicated the game in memory of Chemine Peters, who lost her courageous battle with cancer on Aug. 20. Chemine is the mother of former Mustang player Natalie Peters and current team manager Blake Peters.
The Mustangs resume play in the Baylor Invitational with two contests tomorrow. SMU starts with host Baylor at 12:30 p.m. and then faces Stephen F. Austin at 5 p.m.
