Nov. 8, 2000

LAS VEGAS - The UNLV volleyball team defeated in-state rival Nevada, Reno 3-2 (15-8, 15-13, 8-15, 14-16, 15-12) in the Thomas & Mack Center on Wednesday night. The win is the first for the Lady Rebels in the Thomas & Mack this season. The only other home win in 2000, against Air Force, came in the Lied Gymnasium. UNLV improves to 5-17 on the season, while Nevada, Reno falls to 12-12.

The Rebels came out strong, taking the first two games with relative ease, but the Wolf Pack fought back to force a fifth game before conceding defeat.

Leiana Oswald and Amber Graham led the Rebel attack, each posting double-doubles with 18 kills apiece. Graham added 18 digs and six block assists, while Oswald finished 15 digs.

Patricia Assuncao picked up her third double-double on the season with 15 kills and 14 digs. She also added five block assists.

Michelle Johnson finished with 15 kills, hitting .313 (15-5-32) on the night. She was also a force at the net with six block assists.

In total, six Lady Rebels finished in double figures in digs. Maria Julia Goes added ten digs, while Ana Ramos and Shannon Chase finished with 14 apiece. Goes also finished with 65 assists for her fifth double-double of the year and hit .667 (4-0-6) on the attack.

Nevada, Reno was led by Navonna Chambers' 19 kills and ten digs.

"My impression all along has been that we have been improving", said UNLV head coach Deitre Collins. "We still played like a young team tonight, but it was nice that we were able to pull off the win at the end. The thing that really glares out at me today is that they really worked hard on defense and thought. That is something that comes with maturity."

The Lady Rebels have won three of their last four contests and return to conference play on Thursday when they host Wyoming at 7:00 p.m. in the Thomas & Mack Center.