University of Louisville
Alumni (Exh.)
Volleyball Squeaks By Alumni
August 28, 2000 | Women's Volleyball
Aug. 26, 2000
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Newcomer Anastasia Zaitseva had 21 kills and two aces to lead the University of Louisville volleyball team to a 3-2 win over the Alumni squad Saturday at Cardinal Arena.
The Cardinals won 15-13, 13-15, 13-15, 15-4, 15-9.
"I am glad we didn't give them much time to practice, the outcome might have been different," laughed head coach Leonid Yelin after the match.
With three former Conference Players of the Year, two tournament MVPs, and career statistical leaders in five different categories, the varsity Cardinals had every right to fear their predecessors.
"That is a dangerous group," said Yelin of the Alumni. "A bunch of them are coaching and still actively playing and take the match seriously even though they have fun."
The Alumni were led by Beth Kuhnell, a two-time team MVP, who served as assistant coach last year. She had 14 kills and 17 digs. Marina Sinichenko, the 1999 Conference USA Tournament MVP had 10 kills and 11 digs.
"It was good to hear the crowd pulling for the Alumni," said Kuhnell. "That is what being a Cardinal is all about, our wonderful and loyal fan following."
Yelin used the match to experiment with some different lineups and was pleased overall with what he saw on the court.
"I was pleased with Lesley Drury's play. She had to come in and replace Sherry Hurley, our last year's captain. Her timing was there and it helped her have a good match.
Drury had 10 kills, 14 digs and seven total blocks.
The Cardinals officially open their season next Friday, when they host the Louisville International Tournament. Louisville will face Missouri-Kansas City at 7 p.m. UMKC is coached by former assistant coach Steve Dallman. Canada and Dayton open play that day at 4:30.
