The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
DePaul
UAB Volleyball Falls To DePaul At C-USA Tournament
11/16/2000 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 16, 2000
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Four players each posted at least nine kills to lead fifth-seeded DePaul past 12th seeded UAB, 3-0 in the first round of the 2000 Healthy Choice Conference USA Tournament. DePaul advances to Friday's 3 p.m. quarterfinal against fourth-seeded Houston, while UAB closes the season at 6-24.
Thursday's matched marked DePaul's 21st win of the season, which is the most since the 1993 Blue Demons won 22 matches. DePaul won the first game, 15-1 and held off a staunch Blazer rally in the second game, 15-11. The Blue Demons hit .385 in the third game to post the 15-3 triumph.
After closing the regular season with four losses in its final five matches, this is exactly the performance that DePaul coach Dawn Dockstader was looking for.
"I think overall we gained a little confidence going into Houston," Dockstader said. DePaul handed Houston its first conference loss of the season on Oct. 15 in Chicago, 3-2. "We needed to build a little momentum."
With just two seniors on the roster, UAB coach Melinda Claiborne knew that her team would gain some valuable experience this season.
"We learned a lot this season, enduring some trials and challenges," she said. "Our job now is to use this experience for a positive outcome. DePaul is a very good team."
Christa Dirr was DePaul's top offensive performer with 12 kills, while Melissa Nordine, Stephanie Bishop and Katie Engel added nine apiece. Kara Jakusz, the Conference USA Setter of the Year added 37 assists in the three games. Martina Shields led UAB with nine kills and nine digs, with Karen Boyd contributing nine kills and five digs.
