Volleyball Sweeps Alumni in Exhibition
Aug. 30, 2004
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Lawrence, Kan. – The University of Kansas volleyball team opened its 2004 season with an exhibition win over KU Alumni Saturday night at the Horejsi Family Athletics Center. Kansas defeated the Alumni convincingly, winning in three games 30-7, 30-27 and 30-18, before playing a game four voluntarily, 30-12.
Senior middle blocker Ashley Michaels led KU with 11 kills on 17 attempts for a .588 attack percentage. Juniors Paula Caten and Josi Lima added 10 kills apiece with Caten hitting at a .600 clip. Sophomore Jana Correa, back from a season-ending injury, and highly-touted freshman Emily Brown added nine kills each.
Junior setter Andi Rozum dished out a team-best 32 assists while libero Jill Dorsey had a match-high 16 digs on the night. All 15 Jayhawks saw action in the match as the team boasted a .407 hitting percentage and 14 service aces (five from Correa).
The Alumni team was led by Danielle Geronymo and Nancy Bell who each added six kills. Sarah Rome, a 2003 senior, and Laura Rohde also added five kills apiece. KU held the Alumni to just a .094 hitting percentage and 39 kills.
“We had good balance tonight, five kids had nine or more kills and everyone had a chance to play,” head coach Ray Bechard said. “It was great to get them in front of a crowd.”
Over 30 Kansas volleyball alumni attended the match. Former KU head coach Bob Lockwood (1979-84) directed the alumni bench.
Kansas will open regular season play Sept. 1 at Arkansas. The Lady Razorbacks went 27-7 last season and return four starters from their 2003 roster.
“I wouldn’t have scheduled the match at Arkansas if I didn’t think these kids could handle it,” Bechard said. “Arkansas plays a fast game and we have to be ready for them next week.”
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