Rice University
East Carolina
Rice Stumbles at East Carolina
10/20/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Oct. 20, 2006
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GREENVILLE, N.C. -- On the road for the third-straight match, Rice lost at East Carolina 24-30, 30-17, 30-20, 18-30, 15-12 in Conference USA volleyball action on Friday in Greenville, N.C.
Freshman Jennifer McClean paced the Owls with 18 kills, while middle blockers Tessa Kuykendall and Natalie Bogan added 13 each. McClean also led the Rice defenders with 17 digs.
The Pirates took the early advantage in game one, but the Owls stormed ahead with a 7-0 run to take a 10-5 lead. Rice held on to the momentum throughout the game, and ECU could only close to within two points as the Owls took the early lead.
After hitting .278 (14-4-36) in the first frame, the Owls struggled offensively in games two and three, while the Pirates picked up the pace to gain the upper hand.
Rice got back on track in game four, building an 11-5 lead early and retaking the momentum. ECU rallied back and closed to just two at 17-15, but the Owls slammed the door on the comeback attempt to force game five. The Owls combined to hit a whopping .421 (20-4-38) with McClean posting six kills and Bogan adding five in the game.
The Pirates, though, wouldn't be denied at home and rallied in game five to take the final win.
The Owls (11-13, 4-6 C-USA) complete their four-match road trip on Sunday at 1 pm when they take on Marshall in Huntington, W.Va.
