Oct. 19, 2000

LAS VEGAS - The UNLV Volleyball team fell to No. 16 BYU on Thursday 3-0 (15-6, 15-13, 15-9) in the Thomas and Mack Center. The loss drops the Rebels' record to 2-15 overall, 2-6 in the Mountain West Conference. BYU improves to 14-6 overall, 6-2 in the MWC.

Amber Graham led the Rebels with a match-high 17 kills. She also had nine digs and four blocks, one solo and three assisted.

"We are still playing up and down," said Graham. "If we want to play well against a ranked team like BYU, we have to continue to play well and not allow ourselves to relax when we go up."

The Rebels went up 12-10 in the second game, but could not hold on to overtake the Cougars. UNLV also led early in the third game, but again lost the edge.

Maria Julia Goes finished with 35 assists and eight digs. Leiana Oswald also finished with ten kills and six digs.

Freshman Michelle Johnson had an outstanding night, hitting .538 (7-0-13). She also knocked down three block assists.

Ana Ramos added nine digs in the loss, while Blair Wilkes knocked down a team-high five blocks, all assisted.

BYU was led by Sunny Tonga's 13 kills and six digs.

"I thought we played better and showed a lot of heart in fighting back," said UNLV head coach Deitre Collins. "I think it is going to pay off in the long run."

The Rebels return to the court on Friday when they host No. 18 Utah at 7:00 p.m.