Cards Sweep Houston, Gain Share Of C-USA Volleyball Crown
July 25, 2000 | Women's Volleyball
November 14, 1999
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Sonja Percan's 23 kills led the University of Louisville to a three-game sweep of Houston and a share of the Conference USA crown.
The Cardinals won 15-3, 15-13 and 15-6 to boost its overall record to 16-11. Louisville ended its conference season at 13-3 in a three-way tie for first with Houston and Cincinnati. Houston clinched the National Division, with Louisville and UC tying for the American Division crown. Cincinnati will receive the first seed according to the conference's tiebreaking formula that uses head-to-head, game record and then points scored as the first three criteria. Louisville and Cincinnati were still tied after the first two criteria and the Bearcats scored one more point against the Cardinals in head to head competition.
"It can't get any closer than that," said head coach Leonid Yelin. " I am so proud to even be in the hunt after getting off to a slow start. We made our recovery at the beginning of conference play and stayed in contention."
Louisville outgunned the Cougars offensively, recording 56 kills to UH's 37 and outhit them .279 to .063. The Cardinals got a boost from middle blocker Sherry Hurley's seven kills She was honored in the pre-match senior day ceremony. Houston was led by Stephanie Heiskell's 10 kills.
Louisville will receive a first round bye in next week's Conference USA Tournament in Tampa, FL. They begin their quest for the automatic bid this Friday. Pairings will be released this afternoon.
