Holiday Inn/Jayhawk Classic Volleyball Preview

Sept. 8, 2004

Lawrence, Kan. –

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The University of Kansas volleyball team will look to remain undefeated as it hosts the 2004 Holiday Inn/Jayhawk Classic this week at the Horejsi Family Athletics Center. The Jayhawks (4-0) will face Rhode Island at noon and No. 25 Wisconsin at 7 p.m. on Friday and wrap up tournament play Saturday against Denver at 2 p.m.

This weekend’s tournament marks the 17th season of the Jayhawk Classic/Kansas Invitational. First held in 1987, Kansas has won the title nine times and produced seven tournament Most Valuable Players since its inception (most recently, Josi Lima in 2002).

Kansas defeated three teams to win the Oral Roberts Classic last week in Tulsa, Okla. Junior middle blocker Josi Lima was named MVP while setter Andi Rozum and outside hitter Jana Correa received all-tournament accolades.

The Rhode Island Rams (2-2) are coming off wins over Fairleigh Dickinson and Army in the Army Invitational last weekend. Outside hitter Kaleena Miller leads Rhody with an impressive 5.07 kills and 3.60 digs per game.

Head coach Bob Schneck is in his 24th season at the helm of the Rams’ program. Friday’s meeting will be the first-ever between the Jayhawks and Rams.

Kansas faces its first top-25 opponent of 2004 Friday night when Wisconsin visits the Horejsi Family Athletics Center. The Badgers (1-1) knocked off No. 12 Georgia Tech in a five-game thriller in the Badger Challenge on Saturday night. Junior outside hitter Aubrey Meierotto recorded the first double-double of her career, leading Wisconsin with 20 kills and a career-high 23 digs.

Wisconsin lost its season-opener to Big 12 foe Missouri 3-1. Like KU, the Badgers finished 22-11 (13-7 Big Ten) and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2003. The Jayhawks and Badgers last met on Oct. 9, 1976. Wisconsin won 2-0.

The Denver Pioneers (1-3) swept Wright State on Sept. 4 for their first win of the season. Sophomore outside hitter Lisa Hunter leads Denver with 3.79 kills per game while Sarah Adamis paces the defense with 3.36 digs per game.

Denver, a member of the Sun Belt Conference, is coached by Beth Kuwata. Saturday’s match will be the first-ever meeting between KU and DU.

Log on to kuathletics.com Friday and Saturday for live stats and post-match results. For ticket information, call 1-800-34-HAWKS.

Complete Tournament Schedule:

Sept. 10
– Denver vs. Wisconsin, 10 a.m. – Gametracker
– Kansas vs. Rhode Island, Noon – Gametracker
– Rhode Island vs. Denver, 5 p.m. – Gametracker
– Kansas vs. Wisconsin, 7 p.m. – Gametracker

Sept. 11
– Wisconsin vs. Rhode Island, Noon – Gametracker
– Kansas vs. Denver, 2 p.m. – Gametracker