Rice University
Duke
Owls Win Two at Crowne Plaza Rice Invitational
9/2/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 2, 2005
Final Stats
Rice vs. McNeese State Box PDF
Duke vs. McNeese State Box PDF
Rice vs. Duke Box Score PDF
HOUSTON -- Rice opened the 2005 home season with a pair of 3-0 victories over McNeese State and Duke in the first day of the Crowne Plaza Rice Invitational Friday at Autry Court.
The Owls beat the Cowgirls 30-27, 30-27, 30-23 in the opener, then dropped the Blue Devils 30-28, 30-28, 30-17 in the nightcap. The victories extend Rice's home win streak to 18, including taking the last 17 in straight-sets.
Senior Olaya Pazo and junior Tessa Kuykendall paced the Owls' offense for the day. The pair posted 16 kills each against McNeese State. Pazo opened play with nine kills in game one, hitting .316. It was Kuykendall's turn to blast the Cowgirls in the third frame as she dominated the net with eight kills on nine swings to hit .778.
Kuykendall was also a force for the Owls defensively, as she recorded five blocks, including four solos. Sophomore Kristina Dennemann and freshman Jessica Holderness were also impressive on defense, as Dennemann posted a career-high 13 digs and Holderness was in on five blocks. Senior Kristina Hoban added another double-double with 39 assists and 10 digs, while sophomore Yvette Kirk also had 10 digs.
Against Duke, Kuykendall and Pazo were again the big hitters for Rice as both posted 18 kills. Kuykendall paced the offense in the opening frame with seven kills, then added six more in the second working towards her career high total of 18. Pazo, though, was a force to be reckoned with in game two. The senior blasted 11 kills on 15 attacks to hit .667 and added seven digs and an ace.
Kirk was two off her career high in digs with her team leading 18. Pazo added 15 and Dennemann posted 11. Hoban and Holderness also checked in with 10 digs a piece as Hoban dished out 52 assists.
In the second match of the day, Duke defeated McNeese State 30-9, 26-30, 30-23, 30-21. Tealle Hunkus was impressive for the Blue Devils with match highs of 17 kills and 19 digs. Carrie DeMange also added a double-double for Duke with 12 kills and 10 digs.
Tournament action continues Saturday as Duke faces Sacramento State at 12:30 pm, then the Hornets take on the Owls at 7 pm.
