Sept. 22, 2001

LARAMIE, Wyo. - WYOMING def. St. Mary's 3-2 - Box Score

In exciting fashion, the Wyoming Cowgirl Volleyball (5-3 overall) closed out their weekend with a five game victory over the St. Mary's Gaels (2-6 overall). The Cowgirls won by scores of 30-22, 22-30, 30-27, 26-30 and 15-12.

It was a homecoming of sorts as former volleyball player Vanessa Kiremidjian returned as an assistant coach with the Gaels. They were led by Rachel Avilla, who notched 16 kills and six digs. Saint Mary's hit .142 (60-34-183) and had eleven blocks.

Sophomore Michele Rauter finished the night with a career high 27 kills, along with hitting .411 and adding nine digs. Rachel Lau also had an excellent night with 18 kills, four block solos and seven block assists. The Cowgirls hit .182 (74-38-198) and tallied 13 total team digs.

"Going into this match, we knew we would have to make some adjustments with the injury to Melissa Robinett," said head coach Susan Steadman. "We had to go to the extreme with moving Jill Roslund to the middle position and Katie Jarman to the outside hitter spot, but the thing this team did was make the adjustment and stuck together. We were very up and down emotionally, and that was about the only thing I got frustrated with. "

"But, I have to give Michele Rauter a lot of credit. She had an unbelievable performance. I'm so proud of the way she is stepping up and taking on a huge offensive role for us. We're always our best when we have a good performance from each team member, but when someone steps up and takes control like she did, I'm very proud of that."

Wyoming will open up their conference season next week on the road. They will play UNLV on Friday night and San Diego State on Sunday afternoon.