Sept. 2, 2006
Box Score
Tampa, Fl. - Despite a hard fought battle, the UIC volleyball team fell to the University of Texas at El Paso in four games Saturday afternoon (30-25, 16-30, 27-30, 21-30). UIC moves to 2-5 on the season and are set to host Chicago State on Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 7:00 p.m. Averaging 5.2 digs per game in three matches, senior Julie Popp was named to the USF Invitational All-Tournament team.
Totaling 17 digs versus UTEP, Popp led UIC on defense. Ambria Springer guided the Flames with 13 kills and added a team-high four blocks.
UTEP put the first points on the board before the Flames pulled away from the Miners, leading 18-12. UTEP battled back, getting within one point in the third frame (23-22), but the Flames took control offensively to take game one, 30-25.
The Miners came out strong, taking a 5-1 lead early in game two. UTEP continued to produce offensively, posting a .283 attack percentage in game two for the 30-16 victory.
UIC dominated early in game three, leading UTEP by eight points (21-13), but the Miners fought back, tying the game late (25-25). The lead changed twice before UTEP grabbed three straight points for the win, 30-27.
The Miners and the Flames exchanged points early in game four before UTEP gained the advantage on three consecutive kills (11-8). UTEP continued to gain momentum for the match victory (30-21).
UIC returns home to host Chicago State on Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 7:00 p.m. The Flames then hit the road to battle at the Blue Raider Bash in Murfreesboro, Tenn., Sept. 8-9.
