University of Louisville
Tennessee Tech
Volleyball Sweeps Tennessee Tech in Season Opener
August 26, 2011 | Women's Volleyball
Aug. 26, 2011
Lola Arslanbekova had 17 kills, hitting .412 and adding two blocks as the University of Louisville swept Tennessee Tech 25-9, 25-20 and 25-7 in the season opener at Georgia Tech's Courtyard by Marriott Classic Friday afternoon in Atlanta, Ga. The win highlighted Anne Kordes' debut as U of L's head coach.
"We were passing, serving and hitting really well," said Kordes, U of L's sixth head coach in school history. "I also think Taylor Brauneis did a nice job of spreading the offense around."
U of L hit a torrid .438 percent with 48 kills to TTU's 19. The Cards notched five aces and outblocked the Eagles 7-3. Emily Juhl joined Arslanbekova in double digit kills with 10 and added four blocks. Gwen Rucker also had nine kills and two blocks for the Cards. TTU was led by Natalie Penrod's five kills.
"Lola hit some unbelievable shots the way that she can and really got us going," said Kordes. "TTU has a good team and will make a great run in the OVC. Now we have to prepare for two tough matches in one day tomorrow when we play Kansas State at 10:30 and Georgia Tech at 7 p.m."
The Cardinals pounced on the Golden Eagles in the first set, taking a 17-5 lead and then powering to a 25-9 win. The Cardinals hit a toasty .358 with three blocks. Rucker led with five kills.
TTU stayed within arm's reach in the second set, keeping the margin close to four before the Cardinals went on a 7-3 run late to win 25-20. U of L's .394 hitting overwhelmed the Eagles. Lola Arslanbekova paced the Cardinals with seven kills.
The Cards were hitting on all cylinders in the final set, with a .571 hitting percentage. Louisville native Kaitlynn James, who transferred in from Nebraska, served six straight points including two aces to push the Cards to a 15-4 lead. TTU used both its timeouts but nothing could derail the Cards en route to the 25-7 final.
Kordes, the former U of L setting standout and Louisville native, picked up her first career win as the head coach of the Louisville Cardinals.
