Oct. 21, 2007

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NEW ORLEANS - The Tulane volleyball team recorded 55 digs in its 3-0 (30-17, 30-24, 30-22 ) win over Southern Miss Sunday at Fogelman Arena. The Green Wave's defensive performance helped raise more than $2,200 to be donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization for breast cancer research as part of a nation-wide Dig For The Cure program. Sophomore libero Jenn Miller led the way for the Wave with 18 digs.

Junior outside hitter Sara Radosevic recorded 20 kills, moving into seventh on Tulane's all-time list, and added eight digs. Sophomore outside hitter Ksenija Vlaskovic added 17 kills and 11 digs, while junior middle blocker Jen Linder recorded a career-high 11 blocks. Junior setter Luna Rebrovic also added 11 digs for the Green Wave.

"Our captains really showed their leadership today, as Sara, Jenn and Jen each showed up with big matches. That trio will be called upon more and more as we move into the tail end of our conference season and work toward a post-season appearance," head coach Liz Kritza said.

Tulane, 21-5 overall, 9-2 in Conference USA, hit .350 for the match, the fifth time the Wave have hit .350 or better this season. The Green Wave also finished with a season-best 4.0 blocks per game, led by Linder's performance with 10 assisted blocks and one solo block. Junior outside hitter Bridget Wells added five assisted blocks to go with her 12 kills and .333 hitting percentage.

"The team was working for continued improvement with extra incentive today. Prior to the match, the team heard an inspiring pre-game speech delivered by Jeannette Vicknair, a survivor in her 19-year battle against cancer," Kritza added. " She challenged them to raise their level of play, fight for something greater than themselves. They responded with a 55-dig performance, which raised over $2,200 for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization. It was a true team effort as we succeeded in a worthy endeavor."

Rebrovic (31) and sophomore setter Rachel Lindelow (24) combined for 55 of Tulane's 57 assists.

Tulane's front line held Southern Miss (10-16 overall, 1-9 Conference USA) to a .132 hitting percentage for the match, with just one player - Morgan Johnson with 17 - in double-figure kills. Libero Maia Ivanova and Amy Flarity each posted 11 digs for the Golden Eagles.

With 1,287 kills in her career, Radosevic is now seventh on Tulane's all-time list, surpassing the 1,283 of Shannon Hergert (1994-1997). Radosevic is 77 back of Shelly Richey (1,365; 1990-93) for sixth in Tulane history.

The Green Wave take to the road for C-USA matches at SMU (Friday, 7 p.m.) and at Tulsa (Sunday, 1 p.m.). Tulane's match with Tulsa will be televised nationally on CSTV, and will air tape delay on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 9:00 pm CT.