Sept. 5, 2008
Box Score
Fargo, N.D. - After making a few adjustments to the lineup, the UIC volleyball team captured its first sweep of the season against host North Dakota State in the nightcap of the Doublewood Inn Classic presented by ASICS on Friday night.
"It was a great all-around team effort," said head coach Nancy Mueller. "Everyone contributed with passing and blocking. We were consistent and explosive and were able to beat a very good team in front of a large crowd."
Setter Jessica Dalke totaled 32 assists, 11 digs and one service ace in her first UIC start.
Casie Sullivan registered a team-best 12 kills, while Katerina Hanackova picked up 11 kills, seven digs and a team-high .290 attack percentage. Epiphany Davis led the Flames at the net with five blocks.
NDSU's Jennifer Lopez totaled a match-high 14 kills.
There were seven ties in the first set before the Flames recorded five straight points to take a 21-16 advantage. North Dakota State responded with two straight before UIC sparked a 4-1 burst for the 25-19 win.
UIC used its momentum to take an early 7-2 lead in set two. The Bison posted a 12-7 run to take a one-point lead midway through the second frame (15-14). The Flames regrouped following a timeout and answered to knot the set at 20-20. NDSU took the next point, but UIC exploded with five straight to end the set (25-21).
The Flames found themselves down two late in set three. Refusing to go quietly, UIC captured the next three points. The Bison counter attacked to push the set into extra points, but the Flames forced the Bison to commit two errors for the sweep (27-25).
UIC finished the match with a .283 attack percentage and totaled 14 blocks on the night.
"This should give us the confidence to end the weekend on a good note and head into next week with a positive outlook," said Mueller.
UIC concludes tournament play on Saturday, Sept. 6 against Northern Colorado at 1 p.m.
