September 5, 1998

FAIRBANKS, Alaska - Led by sophomore outside hitter Justine Kamelamela's career-highs of 25 kills and 16 digs, the UNLV volleyball team remained unbeaten as it defeated Duke 3-2 (15-4, 16-14, 4-15, 12-15, 15-10) in the championship match of the Nanook Classic at the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Patty Center.

The Rebels didn't take long to get things rolling in the first game. After a Duke sideout, UNLV got the ball back and scored four quick points. Duke cut the score to 4-2, but the Rebels cruised from there and outscored the Blue Devils 11-2 for the game one victory.

Trailing 6-3 in the second game, UNLV went on a 4-0 run to take a 7-6 advantage. Duke then scored the next five points to lead 11-7 before the Rebels cut the score to 11-10. Duke increased its advantage to 13-10 when UNLV scored four in a row to take a one-point lead. Duke tied the score at 14-14, but from that point UNLV used kills from Kamelamela and sophomore middle blocker Michele Peoples to close out the come-from-behind game-three win.

Duke came out in game three with an explosive 5-0 start. UNLV cut the score to 5-3, however the Blue Devils proved to be too tough the rest of the way, outscoring the Rebels 10-1 to cut UNLV's lead to 2-1 in games.

Duke came out strong in game four with a 10-2 advantage, but the Rebels fought their way back into the game and eventually tied the score at 11-11. The Blue Devils scored four of the next five points and tied up the match 2-2 in games.

In the rally-scoring fifth and deciding game it was a see-saw battle as neither team had more than a two-point advantage until the Rebels pulled away from an 11-10 lead. Duke called a timeout with the score tied 9-9, but the Rebels took control of the match from there scoring the final six of seven points.

UNLV (3-0) was assisted in the win by a career-high 18 digs from sophomore defensive specialist Ana Ramos and junior outside hitter Angie Sylvas' third double-double of the season with 20 kills and 15 digs. Junior outside hitter Jeanette Graves added 14 kills for the Rebels, while senior setter Meri-de Boyer recorded 12 digs and a season-high 64 assists.

Duke (2-1) was led by junior outside hitter Sarah Peifer's team-high 20 kills. She also added 11 digs. Junior middle blocker Jami Ediger added 17 kills, while freshman middle blocker Ashley Harris had a team-high 13 digs and senior middle blocker Megan Irvine had 11 digs.

The Rebels recorded 76 kills to Duke's 59 and out-dug the Blue Devils 91-62. UNLV's 91 digs set the record for most digs in a match-ever by a Rebel volleyball team. UNLV hit .239 for the match, while Duke hit .212.

UNLV's next action will be Friday, Sept. 11 as it opens its home schedule with the Official All-Star Cafe/UNLV Volleyball Classic. The Rebels will open classic play with a 2:00 p.m. match against Youngstown State. New Mexico State and Southwest Texas State will also be competing.

1998 Nanook Classic ResultsThurs., Sept. 3Game 1 - UNLV def. Iowa State, 3-0, 15-13, 15-5, 15-12Game 2 - Duke def. Alaska Fairbanks, 3-0, 15-7, 15-8, 15-6Fri., Sept. 4Game 3 - Duke def. Iowa State, 3-0, 15-8, 15-13, 15-12Game 4 - UNLV def. Alaska Fairbanks, 3-0, 15-4, 15-12, 15-6Sat., Sept. 5Game 5 - UNLV def. Duke, 3-2, 15-4, 16-14, 4-15, 12-15, 15-10Game 6 - Iowa State def. Alaska Fairbanks, 3-2

1998 Nanook Classic All-Tournament Team

Angie Sylvas, UNLV - MVPMeri-de Boyer, UNLVJami Ediger, DukeVirginia Hoss, Iowa StateJustine Kamelamela, UNLVSarah Peifer, DukeKamilah Webb, Alaska Fairbanks