Oct. 23, 2002

Box Score

HOUSTON - The University of Houston volleyball team swept Southern Methodist 3-0 at Hofheinz Pavilion tonight in a non-conference match-up. Houston came from behind in all three games to upend SMU 30-24, 30-23 and 31-29.

The Cougars were led by two-time 2002 Conference USA Player of the Week Jenny Tanneberger, who posted a double-double with 17 kills and 10 digs. Donna Sellen, who also celebrated her 22nd birthday, added 30 assists, 13 digs and three kills, while Jaci Gonzalez led the defense with 14 digs. Laura Koster added 12 kills, five digs and four service aces. Mirela Vasconcellos also had a notable performance, adding 11 digs.

The Mustangs jumped ahead in game one, taking a 10-2 lead and offsetting the Cougar defense. A Laura Koster kill stopped the SMU charge and Houston battled back to 12-9. Houston's Jane Anne Karasek posted two straight kills to tie the game at 20 and boost a six-point Cougar run. Tanneberger ended the game with a kill, 30-24.

Game two also began with a strong SMU lead, but Houston tied it at nine and led for the remainder of the game. SMU hit -.029 and made four service errors in the 30-23 game two loss. SMU kept the score close after the half, taking the lead at the 7-6 mark. Three lead changes later, an SMU service error game three at 29. Houston rallied and ended the game and match with a service ace, 31-29.

The match also represented a sibling rivalry, as Houston's Jane Anne Karasek (Caldwell, Texas-Caldwell) competed against her younger sister Beth, a member of the SMU squad. The Mustangs (8-13, 2-4 WAC) hit only .104 as a team and committed 23 total errors. The Cougars (13-6, 3-1 C-USA), who are competing with only seven healthy players, now lead the all-time series against SMU 4-0.

The Cougars will host C-USA powerhouse South Florida on Friday, Oct. 25, and UAB Saturday, Oct. 26, at Hofheinz Pavilion. Both matches are slated for 7:30 p.m.

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