Nov. 24, 2001

LAS VEGAS - The UNLV volleyball team wrapped up the 2001 season with a 3-0 (30-27, 30-24, 30-27) loss to Rice in the Planet Hollywood Thanksgiving Classic at the Thomas & Mack Center on Saturday afternoon. The Rebels finish with a 10-16 overall record, while Rice improves to 17-9.

Blair Wilkes led the Rebels with 16 kills and a .517 (16-1-29) attack percentage. Wilkes averaged a .365 (294-78-592) hitting percentage for the season, breaking the school's single season record, previously held by Christel Eves at .358.

Leiana Oswald turned in her second double-double performance at the tournament with 12 kills and 12 digs to earn a spot on the all-tournament team.

Freshman Amy Lewis shared setter duties with Nicki King to pick up her first collegiate double-double with 16 assists and 12 digs. King finished with 21 assists.

Senior Janna Mackey, playing in the final match of her collegiate career, finished with 11 digs.

Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year Sheila Ocasio-Clemente finished with a match-high seven blocks (one solo, six assisted). She recorded 177 for the season, shattering the UNLV record for single season blocks midway through the schedule. The previous record of 142 was set by Lynette Richan in 1984.

Rice was led by Rebeca Pazo. Pazo put up her second double-double of the tourney, picking up 21 kills and 14 digs to earn a spot on the all-tournament team.

Leigh Leman and setter Rebekah Neal also played well for the Owls. Leman finished the match with 14 kills, 13 digs and five blocks, while Neal put up 40 assists and 14 digs.

Washington State won the championship match over William & Mary 3-0 (30-26, 30-25, 30-15) to claim the Planet Hollywood Thanksgiving Classic title.

LaToya Harris was awarded the tournament MVP title after leading Washington State to the win with 13 kills. Teammate Chelsie Schafer put up big numbers again to earn a place on the all-tournament team. She finished Saturday's match with 12 kills.

Cougar setter Kali Surplus finished with a double-double 46 assists and 17 digs. Others with big contributions to the WSU win include Adrian Hankoff and Holly Harris with 10 and nine kills respectively, and Melissa Boyle with a match-high seven blocks.

William & Mary was led by Kristen Gunderson with 14 kills. Tara Tobias finished with 10 kills and nine digs. She earned a place on the all-tournament team as did teammate Stacy Woodson, who added eight kills.

Carly Huffman finished with a team-high six blocks (two solo, four assisted), while Christina Hinds led The Tribe defensively with 10 digs.

TOURNAMENT MVP
LaToya Harris - Washington State

ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Chelsie Schafer - Washington State
Tara Tobias - William & Mary
Stacy Woodson - William & Mary
Rebeca Pazo - Rice
Leiana Oswald - UNLV

TEAM RESULTS
1st - Washington State
2nd - William & Mary
3rd - Rice
4th - UNLV