October 1, 1998

LAS VEGAS - Led by junior outside hitter Angie Sylvas' match-high 14 kills, the UNLV volleyball team defeated 24th-ranked Fresno State 15-11, 15-7, 15-9 in a non-conference match Thursday at Lied Gymnasium.

The victory marks the first for UNLV over a ranked opponent since the program restarted in 1996. Also, prior to this match, the Rebels had never won more than one game in a match against a ranked team.

UNLV (11-3) was assisted in the win by sophomore middle blocker Christel Eves' 13 kills and career-high tying five service aces. Eves recorded only three errors on 22 attempts for a hitting percentage of .455. Senior setter Meri-de Boyer also had an outstanding performance recording 38 assists, 10 digs and six total blocks.

Fresno State (12-1), who came in undefeated, was led by senior outside hitter Shanus Bennett and sophomore outside hitter Akkelien Altena who both had eight kills. Altena added a team-high 10 digs.

The Rebels out-hit the Bulldogs .260 to .101 and recorded 19 more kills than Fresno State (54-35).

UNLV's next action will be Saturday, Oct. 3 as it hosts Air Force at 4:00 p.m. at Lied Gymnasium. It will be UNLV's first conference match of the season.