Volleyball Downs Loyola 3-1 in ORU Tourney Opener

Sept. 3, 2004

Box Score

TULSA, Okla. – Six players recorded seven or more kills as the University of Kansas volleyball team defeated Loyola-Chicago 3-1 Friday in game one of the Oral Roberts Classic at the Cooper Aerobics Center. The Jayhawks (2-0) dropped game one to the Ramblers 26-30 before taking three straight, 30-16, 31-29 and 30-22, for the win.

Junior middle blocker Josi Lima led Kansas with 13 kills for a team-best .333 attack percentage and added 10 digs in the win. Outside hitters Jana Correa and Paula Caten added 10 kills apiece while senior middle blocker Ashley Michaels (seven block assists) and freshman opposite hitter Emily Brown (nine digs) added eight kills each.

Junior Andi Rozum rounded out the offense with seven kills and added 40 assists and 10 digs. Senior libero Jill Dorsey led all players with 18 digs on the night.

KU posted a .266 attack percentage while holding the Ramblers to just a .080 clip. An improved blocking team from 2003, the Jayhawks out-blocked Loyola-Chicago 15-5.

Senior Nichol Amberg led the Ramblers (0-2) with 17 kills in 51 attempts.

“We started out slow tonight and our pass-and-serve game put us out of rhythm,” head coach Ray Bechard said. “However, we picked it up in game two and won a pivotal game three with good hitting and blocking. Our offensive balance has also been impressive.”

Tournament action continues Saturday as Kansas faces North Texas (0-1) at 10 a.m. and the host Golden Eagles (0-1) at 7:30 p.m.

– KU –