Sept. 15, 2000
Box Score
Charlotte, N.C. -
The Saint Louis University volleyball team opened Conference USA play by dropping a 3-2 decision to the Charlotte 49ers. The Billikens rallied from a 2-0 deficit and forced a fifth game, but saw the rally fall short. Game scores were 12-15, 15-9, 16-14, 15-5, 10-15. In addition to being the C-USA opener for both teams, the match served as the first round game for the University of Georgia Tournament which continues on Saturday.
The Billikens' offensive struggles continued in the first two games, hitting -.024 and .198. The 49ers pushed SLU to the brink with a 14-8 lead, but the Billikens scored eight-straight points to extend the match. In game four, the Billikens came out on fire and hit .327 in overwhelming Charlotte 15-5. The Bills jumped out to a 7-4 lead in the decisive fifth game, but Charlotte adjusted its offensive attack and rallied for the victory.
Colleen Hunter posted her seventh double-double on the season with a match-high 21 kills to accompany her 12 digs for SLU. Cristal Leonard had a season-high 15 kills and Ember Knobeloch drilled a career-high 13 kills. Brooke Minniear led the Billikens with 17 digs and Beth Martin tallied 30 assists and four blocks.
"We did not hit well early in the match," said head coach Marilyn Nolen. "Rallying to win game three, when it looked like we were going to lose the match, gave us momentum and we played very well in game four. We took an early lead in the fifth game but Charlotte made a few adjustments to comeback. Jess Moss had a strong serving match and we scored a lot of points on her rotation. Colleen's play was absolutely stunning. She is playing extremely well and is providing us leadership. Ember had another strong game and Cristal played rightside and did well for us out there."
The Billikens fall to 4-5 on the season, 0-1 in Conference USA, while the 49ers up their record to 3-4, 1-0 in C-USA. The Bills play Furman on Saturday at 10 a.m. in Athens, Ga. and finish the tournament against host Georgia at 6 p.m.
