Sept. 28, 2001

LARAMIE, Wyo. -

*Wyoming def. UNLV 3-0 - Box Score

The Wyoming Cowgirl Volleyball Team opened up the 2001 Mountain West Conference season with a three game win over the UNLV Rebels the road in Las Vegas.

Neither team really took control in the first game of the match with each only holding a one or two point lead throughout. The Cowgirls would have a game point at 29-28 and 31-30, but could not convert. UNLV would have the same opportunity with the same result. Finally, on their third chance the Cowgirls would manage a 34-32 win.

Wyoming would jump out to an early 6-2 to start the second game, the Rebels would close the gap to 6-5, but the Cowgirls answered back extending the margin to 11-5. They would maintain a lead and take the game, 30-20, and a 2-0 lead in the match.

The Cowgirls continued their hot hitting into game three with an early 11-6 advantage. UNLV would manage to close that gap to 11-9, but Wyoming would answer and extend the lead to 18-11. They would close out the third game and the match, 30-18.

The Rebels were led by Blair Wilkes, who finished the night with 15 kills and hit .737. As a team, UNLV hit .155 and tallied 26 digs.

Wyoming was led by senior Rachel Lau, who tallied 15 kills, two block solos, and hit .357. Sophomore Michele Rauter added 14 kills, seven digs and hit .476. The Cowgirls outblocked the Rebels seven to six, and hit .337 (50-17-98) on the evening.

"This Cowgirl Team has an unbelievable ability to perform as a team regardless of which six players are on the court," said head coach Susan Steadman. "I was really proud of the way everyone contributed and how we were able to keep a lead in both the second and third games. This is a great start to the Mountain West Conference season."