Rice University
Nicholls State
Rice defeats Nicholls 3-1 in Season Volleyball Opener
8/28/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Aug. 28, 2009
Houston -- Rice opened up the 2009 volleyball season on a winning note with a solid performance in defeating Nicholls 3-1 (25-16, 22-25, 25-11, 25-19) in the first match of the Mizuno Invitational at Rice's Tudor Fieldhouse.
The Owls (1-0) took control early by hitting .350 in set one, dipped in set two (.163), but rebounded nicely with a .344 hitting percentage in set three, and then hit .227 in set four. For the match, Rice hit a respectable .264, to Nicholls' .106.
The Rice defense was stout with 86 digs and nine blocks. Junior middle blocker Caroline Gill had a block and three block assists to lead the Owls.
Rice's three seniors led the attack as each finished with double-digit kills. Jenn McClean posted a match-high 15, followed Natalie Bogan's 13, and Jessie Boulavsky had 10 kills. McClean also had 17 digs, while libero Tracey Lam had a match-high 24. Setter Meredith Schamun had 47 assists and 12 digs.
Rice now plays Oklahoma Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. The Sooners won their first match of the Mizuno Invitational by hammering Houston Baptist 3-0 (25-10, 25-19, and 25-21).
