University of Louisville
Cincinnati
Volleyball Falls to Cincinnati
September 19, 2000 | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 19, 2000
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- - LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Shauntel Miller had 21 kills to lead the University of Cincinnati to a 3-2 win over the University of Louisville in Conference USA action last night in Cardinal Arena.
In a rematch of teams in last year's C-USA Tournament Final, the Cards wanted to reinstate themselves as the American Division leader but upstart Cincinnati had different ideas.
The Cardinals (6-4) fell 15-12, 12-15, 10-15, 15-6, 9-15 and moved to 0-1 in the league. Cincinnati boosted its record to 8-4 and 1-0 in the C-USA standings.
"When you are picked to win the league in the preseason poll, everyone comes gunning for you," said U of L head coach Leonid Yelin. "This is a strong divisional rivalry. We cannot take anyone for granted."
In the first game, the Cardinals thought they had cruised to an easy lead at 8-3. However, the Bearcats clawed back to tie the game at 9-9, but could not summon enough momentum to push over the top. Middle blocker Lesley Drury paced the Cardinals with six kills on 10 attacks in the game.
"We were able to win some long rallies that Cincinnati is noted for," said head coach Leonid Yelin.
Cincinnati showed why they are so difficult to beat in the second game. The Cardinals had blown out to a 6-1 lead only to have to beat back a fuirous UC rally that brought them back to within two at 10-8 on a kill by 12. The Bearcats went ahead 13-12 on a miss by Drury and then inched it to game point. The Cardinals were able to stave off game point twice but fell 15-12.
The Bearcat momentum stayed put as UC built a huge lead in the third game. Up 13-4, the Bearcat got a taste of a Cardinal comeback but the margin was too great as U of L fell 15-10. Louisville seemingly took control of the match with a blistering game four that saw them out-hit Cincinnati .409 to .125.
The Cardinals floundered in the rally-scored fifth game, hitting more errors than kills as they lost 15-9.
U of L was led by Drury's career-high 21 kills and 11 digs. Kelly McClain added 12 with Sonja Percan and Anastasia Zaitseva added 15 and 14 respectively.
The Cardinals face both Charlotte and Saint Louis this weekend as the homestand continues. The 49ers visit Friday night followed by the Billikens on Saturday both at 7 p.m. in Cardinal Arena.
