Oct. 16, 2001

Final Stats

Chicago, Illinois - They didn't earn any points for style, but the University of Illinois at Chicago women's volleyball team extended its winning streak to four matches with a 30-22, 31-29, 30-26 victory over IUPUI on Tuesday night at the Physical Education Building.

"It wasn't pretty," UIC head coach Don August said. "But we will take it for sure."

With the victory, UIC improves to 9-10 overall, while IUPUI drops to 5-14. The four-match winning streak is the Flames' best stretch since they opened the 2000 regular season with six consecutive victories.

Sophomore outside hitter Teaha Shepperd led the way for the Flames with 13 kills and eight digs, while teammate Gina Caneva added 10 kills. Caneva also tied a season-high with five blocks. Freshman setter Dawn Strahanoski dished out 36 assists for the Flames on the night.

"We knew that (IUPUI) was a decent team, despite their record," August said. "They picked up their game and we obviously lost our concentration."

Following UIC's 30-22 victory in game one, both teams battled back and forth in the pivotal game two. IUPUI, in fact, was facing game point as they held a 29-28 lead over the Flames, following a ball-handling error by UIC sophomore outside hitter Lindsey Filkins (5 kills, 8 digs).

UIC, however, would bounce back behind consecutive kills from Caneva, Filkins and Strahanoski to secure the 31-29 victory.

"I was pleased to see us come back the way we did," August said.

The third game featured much of the same, as UIC held a 26-25 lead over the Jaguars.

IUPUI, however, committed three errors, to help propel UIC to the 30-26 victory.

Michelle Sobocinski led IUPUI with 9 kills and 6 digs.

UIC will head north this weekend as they will battle UW-Green Bay on Friday night at 7:00 PM and follow that on Saturday with a match against the defending regular season champions, UW-Milwaukee at 4:00 PM.