Volleyball: Owls Dominate Mustangs In 3-0 Sweep

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Women's Volleyball

vs #8 Seed UTSA

Nov 21

11 AM

Volleyball: Owls Dominate Mustangs In 3-0 Sweep

10/9/2004

Box Score

HOUSTON ? For the second-straight match, middle blocker Tessa Kuykendall had the hot hand, knocking down 12 kills on .579 hitting to help Rice stay perfect at home and in Western Athletic Conference action with a 30-24, 30-23, 30-21 victory over Southern Methodist on Saturday afternoon at Autry Court.

The win improves the Owls' record to 16-2 on the year, marking the best start in program history. Rice also stayed undefeated in WAC play, moving to 6-0 on the year and taking a two-match lead in the WAC Eastern Division standings. SMU falls to 9-6 overall and 3-2 in the WAC.

Kuykendall got things started in game one with a kill. The Mustangs answered back to tie the score at 1-1, then Rice capitalized on an SMU miscue and never looked back. Kuykendall converted on four of six attempts with no errors, while outside hitters Lindsey Carter and Olaya Pazo also had four each as the Owls put up a balanced attack in the opening frame.

Rice continued to dominate in game two, opening with a 5-0 run behind the solid serving of Yvette Kirk. The Owls went on to dominate the set with Kuykendall scoring seven kills on eight swings with one error for a scorching .750 hitting percentage. She and fellow middle blocker Rebecca Kainz controlled the net with both Owls notching a solo block and a pair of block assists as Rice finished with six blocks.

While Rice never trailed in game three, SMU kept the scoring close in the early going. The Owls slowly pulled away after a 7-2 run then cruised to victory. Kainz set the pace in the final frame with six kills, while Rebeca Pazo added five. Kuykendall added another three blocks in the set as Rice again held the advantage at the net.

Kuykendall had match highs of 12 kills and six blocks to lead Rice. Kainz and Rebeca Pazo finished with 11 each as Pazo also had 14 digs for her 13th double double. Carter led the Owl defense with a season-high 18 digs, and Olaya Pazo added 11. Setter Kristina Hoban recorded 46 assists and added six kills on eight attempts in the victory.

The Owls combined to hit .291 (56-17-134) for the match and limited the Mustangs to .113 hitting. Rice also out-blocked SMU 10-4.

Beth Karasek paced the Mustangs with 10 kills and 15 digs, and Jennette Evanco added 11 digs in the defensive effort.

Rice takes a break from league action on Tuesday, hosting Louisiana-Lafayette at Autry Court. The Owls close out their four-match home stand on Friday against Tulsa. Both matches start at 7 pm.

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