Rice University
North Dakota
Volleyball Defeats North Dakota 3-1
9/7/2012 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
OXFORD, Miss.- Rice volleyball won its second consecutive game, defeating North Dakota 3-1 in the first game of the Magnolia Invitational. Nancy Cole had a season-high 19 kills, and needs two more to reach 1,000 for her career.
The Owls advance to 4-5 on the season, after defeating North Dakota, who is now 3-4.
"We played a very scrappy and strong North Dakota team," said Rice Head Coach Genny Volpe. "It took us a while to get in our offensive rhythm but we found our groove later in the match."
"I was pleased with our defensive efforts, and I thought that Nancy Cole and Laurie McNamara played like true seniors," added Volpe. "We have a ton of character on this team."
Nancy Cole and Laurie McNamara picked up double-digit kills for the Owls. Cole earned 19 kills, moving her within striking distance of the 1,000 kill milestone, and hit .371. McNamara hit .389 (10K-3E-18TA) in the match.
Lizzy Bache hit .400 (8K-0E-20TA) and picked up five digs.
Megan Murphy picked up her second 50+ assist game of the season, earning 52 assists this game.
Kimberly Vaio had a team-high 12 digs and 3 service aces. Mariah Riddlesprigger also had 3 aces.
The Owls picked up set 1 by a score of 25-22, as Vaio contributed all three of her service aces in that set.
North Dakota took the second set 25-22, as Cole and Bache each picked up four kills.
Rice came back to take the third set 25-21, with Cole picking up 7 kills in the set.
The Blue and Gray finished off the victory by hitting .469 in the fourth set, which was won 25-20 by the Owls.
The Owls return to the court at 7 p.m. to take on host school Ole Miss in the Magnolia Invitational.
