Rice University
UCF
Rice Downs UCF 3-1
10/6/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Oct. 6, 2006
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HOUSTON -- Led by a career high 20 kills from freshman Jessie Boulavsky, Rice overcame a slow start to beat UCF 26-30, 30-27, 30-21, 30-25 in Conference USA volleyball action on Friday night at Autry Court.
Boulavsky's kill total was six better than her previous high as she also hit .472 and posted six blocks in the match, both career highs for the newcomer from Clear Brook High School. Freshman Natalie Bogan was next with 13 kills and a career best 12 digs.
The Owls came out strong to start the game, with Boulavsky scoring the first kill to help build a 6-1 lead. The Golden Knights stayed close, though, and with Rice leading 13-10, UCF took off on an 11-1 run behind a strong serve to take control of the frame. The Owls rallied late to close to two points, but it wasn't enough as the Knights took the frame and the early lead.
UCF carried the momentum into game two and led by as many as seven (17-10), before Rice began chipping away at the margin. With the Knights up 25-20, the Owls took advantage of a missed serve and mounted a furious 10-2 rally to regain control and even the match.
The Owls continued to build their momentum in game three taking a commanding 15-8 lead early. Rice then took complete control, blasting the Knights for 10 unanswered points. UCF kept fighting and closed the gap to eight points before sophomore Karyn Morgan put the game away with a kill.
Rice held the advantage again in game four, scoring the first four points. Although the Owls never trailed in the game, the Knights stayed close and trailed by a single point at 21-20. Bogan then helped rally her team with a pair of kills and a block with Boulavsky to put Rice back up 25-21. With the edge back in their favor, the Owls finished strong for the win.
Junior Yvette Kirk led the Owls' backcourt defense with 20 digs, followed by Morgan's 13. Bogan, Boulavsky and senior Tessa Kuykendall all finished with six blocks on the night.
The victory evens the Owls' record at 10-10 overall and 3-3 in C-USA.
Rice closes out the current home stand with Southern Miss on Sunday at 1 pm, before spending the next two weekends on the road.
