Rice University
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UTEP
Owls Drop Miners 3-1
10/1/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Oct. 1, 2006
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HOUSTON -- Freshman Jennifer McClean had a career day to lead Rice past UTEP 30-25, 28-30, 33-31, 30-18 on Sunday afternoon in Conference USA volleyball action at Autry Court.
McClean, a Cy Fair High School product, pounded out 21 kills and recorded 30 digs in the four-game victory. The 30 digs equal the record for the fifth-best single match in Rice history. Junior Rachel Lopez also put up career numbers, recording 65 assists and 25 digs.
The Owls got off to a shaky start in game one as the Miners took the early lead. After tying the score three times, freshman Jessie Boulavsky sparked a 5-0 rally, giving Rice an 18-15 lead. UTEP stayed close and trailed 24-23 when McClean launched another 5-0 Rice rally. The Miners fought off a pair of game points, but it wasn't enough as the Owls took the game.
Sophomore Karyn Morgan had five kills to pace Rice in the game, and the Owls held the Miners to .000 hitting.
In game two, it was Rice's turn to open strong with UTEP rallying to push ahead. The Miners led 29-25, but the Owls scored three straight before UTEP finally took the frame.
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McClean had eight kills and hit .389 to lead Rice, which hit .333 as a team in the frame.
With the momentum in their court, the Owls opened game four with a 13-6 and never looked back as they cruised to the victory. The freshman trio on McClean, Boulavsky and Natalie Bogan had five kills each to lead Rice. As a team, the Owls hit .455 (21-1-44) in the game.
In addition to McClean's career high numbers, Boulavsky had a best of 14 kills, while Bogan was one off her career high with 16. Morgan added 17 kills and 19 digs for her 10th double double of the year. Junior Yvette Kirk was two off her best with 29 digs to help anchor the Rice passers.
The Owls (8-10, 1-3 C-USA) continue their current home stand on Wednesday when they host crosstown rival Houston at 7 pm at Autry Court.
