Sept. 11, 2010
Box Score
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The UIC volleyball team accomplished what it set out for this weekend by winning the Best Western Invitational hosted by the University of North Florida after knocking off the host school, 3-1 (25-17, 21-25, 25-11, 25-18).
The Flames (5-4) played one of their best all-around matches of the season, winning its three sets by a combined 29 points. It marks the first tournament victory for UIC in at least 15 seasons.
"It was another total effort," said head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley. "We're working to get better in every set we play and it showed tonight.
"Our serve receive was much better and we played great team defense all day long," said Schumacher-Cawley.
The Flames played under control for much of the evening and responded well when they faced any adversity from the Ospreys (2-8). UIC committed only 17 attacking errors, while North Florida had at least 10 in the second and fourth sets, both Flames victories.
In set one, UIC came out loose and engaged in a back and forth affair early on with North Florida. UIC took over with the help of crisp passing and strong play around the net.
They took a step backward in the second, dropping the set 25-21. The Flames trailed 20-14and cut the deficit to 24-21 before falling.
Sets three and four were all UIC. In the third the Flames exploded out of the gate to the tune of 14-3 and never looked back. A kill by senior Epiphany Davis sealed the deal minutes later, giving the team 2-1 advantage.
The teamwork continued through the fourth and UIC was able to raise the championship trophy on North Florida's floor.
Janise Dismuke was named the Best Western Invitational MVP. She was joined on the All-Tournament Team by teammates Kelsey Safranek and Jessica Dalke.
Dismuke racked up 52 kills and hit .484 over the course of the four matches in North Florida. She also had a team-high 17 blocks. After the match Dismuke was quick to praise the teamwork on display.
"It was huge for us," said the redshirt sophomore. "We needed to do well here and we did. It was a great head start for conference play."
Dalke, one of four seniors who earned their first tournament triumph as Flames, agreed.
"Coming off last week we needed to play well," said Dalke. "As a team, we worked hard to accomplish something. It feels great."
Safranek and Sullivan each tallied 41 kills over four matches. Dalke handed out 169 assists, while fellow senior Taylor Szatkowski led the team with 55 digs.
The Flames open the Horizon League portion of the schedule on Friday, Sept. 17th at the UIC Physical Education Building against the Youngstown State Penguins at 7:00 p.m. On Saturday, they'll welcome Cleveland State at 4:00 p.m.
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