KU Sweeps Alabama in Season Opener

Aug. 26, 2005

Box Score | Photo Gallery

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

The University of Kansas volleyball team opened its 2005 regular season with 3-0 win over Alabama in day one of the State Farm Jayhawk Classic Friday at the Horejsi Family Athletics Center. Senior Josi Lima led the Jayhawks with 16 kills on a .379 attack percentage as KU (1-0) prevailed 30-28, 30-28 and 30-22 in front of close to 1,000 fans.

Lima also added seven digs, three blocks and two aces while junior Jana Correa had 15 kills (.379 attack percentage), 10 digs, two aces and two solo blocks. Freshman Savannah Noyes added nine kills on a .444 attack percentage and sophomore Emily Brown was close behind with eight kills, four digs and four blocks.

Junior Jamie Mathewson led the defense with 11 digs and senior Andi Rozum posted a match-high 45 assists on the night.

Bridget Fuentez led the Crimson Tide (0-1) with 14 kills and added eight digs in the effort. Kelley Potter added 10 kills on a match-best .529 attack percentage and Crystal Hudson added nine kills and seven total blocks. Brigette Slack ran the offense with 40 assists and libero Jessica Yearout had a match-high 16 digs.

KU led the entire game one, prevailing 30-28, and Alabama started out with the lead in the second until the Jayhawks tied the game at 26-all. After a Tide timeout, KU took the next two points and won the game by the same score. The Jayhawks dominated game three, leading 10-5 to start and wrapping up the match, 30-22.

“The hitting efficiency was probably the biggest difference in the match,” head coach Ray Bechard said. “We hit at a .302 efficiency and they hit at .208. We matched up in blocks, digs, attempts — but we were just more efficient on offense tonight. Obviously, Alabama is a quality opponent who played very hard and this was a great start for us.”

KU will wrap up the classic with a match against UMKC at 7 p.m. Saturday.

– KU –