Sept. 19, 2009

Box Score in PDF Format

TUCSON, Ariz. – Arizona volleyball stretched its winning streak to nine games Saturday morning with a 3-0 win over Tulane in match one of the Arizona Invitational at McKale Center.

Arizona had five players record six or more kills, as the team won its seventh match by sweeping an opponent this season.  Tiffany Owens recorded her fourth double-double with 14 kills and 16 digs while Paige Weber had 40 assists. The Wildcats had a hitting percentage of .277.

“I thought we played well today,” said head coach Dave Rubio.  “Tulane is always a tough team that passes very well.  Even though we won 3-0, it was a tough match and I’m proud we were able to get the win.”

During game one, the Cats looked to be on their way to another quick opening set, but the Green Wave rallied and made things interesting.  Rachael Lindelow led Tulane in the first game with 12 kills.  Weber and company were able to pull out the set however with the Wildcat setter tallying 13 assists while Owens had four kills in the game.

In game two, both teams were knotted at eight all, before the Wildcats used a 6-1 run to establish an insurmountable lead.  Arizona’s most impressive rally occurred when Dana Hutchinson employed a “kick-save” to keep the set alive. The Cats would go onto take the point to make it 22-18 and win the set 25-18.  

Game three was much of the same before Tulane staged a comeback and forced the Cats to win by two after tying the game at 24-24.  Owens recorded the final kill of the game (and match) as Arizona won 26-24.

Elise Hendrickson had another strong match for the Cats, totaling a season-high 17 digs while Courtney Karst chipped in with eight kills.

The Cats have now ripped off nine consecutive wins to start a season for only the second time in school history.  Tonight Arizona will face New Mexico for a chance to tie the school record with ten wins to open a season. Match time is slotted for 7 p.m.