University of Louisville
<B>SOUTHERN MISS</B> *
#20 Volleyball Downs USM Golden Eagles
October 25, 2003 | Women's Volleyball
Oct. 25, 2003
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Sophomore outside hitter Lena Ustymenko had 21 kills to lead the University of Louisville to a 30-28, 32-30, 35-33 win over Southern Miss in Conference USA volleyball action Saturday night in Cardinal Arena.
The Cardinals boost their overall record to 13-4 with a 6-1 mark in conference play. Southern Miss falls to 21-5, and 6-2 in C-USA.
"We knew going in that USM is a scrappy, resourceful team and it took good transition play to beat them," said Leonid Yelin. "You can't let down for a second when you play them."
That was the case in the third game when U of L had to fight off game point five times before winning 35-33 in a 36-minute contest. All three games were won by just the two points
U of L's blocking was strong again, deflecting 10 to USM's five. The Cardinals outhit the Golden Eagles .283 to .190. Uneven serving plagued the Cards who shanked 12 serves and were aced four times by USM.
The Cardinals had two other Cardinals join Ustymenko in double digit kills with Bing Sun gettingv 15 kills and 15 digs. Senior Sonja Percan had 15 kills, two aces, 17 digs and four blocks to buoy the Cardinals. Setter Jennifer Craven had 49 assists and 10 digs.
USM was led by Andrea Bush's 16 kills and 11 digs.
U of L travels to Memphis and Saint Louis next weekend as Conference USA play continues.
