Rice University
New Hampshire
Owls Stumble Against New Hampshire
9/15/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 15, 2006
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The Rice volleyball team struggled on Friday, falling to New Hampshire 30-25, 30-22, 30-25 in the first match of the Michigan/Nike Challenge in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Sophomore Karyn Morgan paced the Owls (6-5) with 13 kills on the day, her 10th-straight match to post double-figure kills. She was followed by Freshman Jennifer McClean's 10. The Owls struggled to find an offensive rhythm throughout the match, hitting just .046 over the three games.
Neither team could gain the upper hand in the first frame, battling through seven ties before the Wildcats took the lead for good with a 5-0 run. They held the momentum in the second game, taking an early 7-2 lead and never looking back.
UNH looked to keep its pace in game three, taking another early lead. This time, trailing by five, the Owls rallied to tie the score at 10-all. Rice took two-point leads three times, but the Wildcats scratched back to regain the advantage. UNH broke the fifth and final tie of the game (19-19) with a 6-0 run then closed out the frame for the decision.
Junior Yvette Kirk recorded 15 digs to lead the Rice passers. Rachel Lopez also a setter added 13 digs.
The Owls return to action Saturday, taking on IPFW at 12 noon and the 22nd-ranked Wolverines at 6:30 pm.
