Nov. 9, 2001

LAS VEGAS - The UNLV volleyball team defeated No. 16 BYU 3-1 (16-30, 30-28, 30-28, 30-28) at the Cox Pavilion Friday night. The win over the Cougars is the first in Rebel history.

UNLV improves to 9-12 overall, 6-7 in the Mountain West Conference, while BYU falls to 17-6, 9-4 in league play.

BYU dominated UNLV in the first game, out-hitting the Rebels .391 to .000, before UNLV turned the table and overpowered the Cougars in the next three games.

Blair Wilkes led the Rebel attack with a career-high 20 kills and a .567 attack percentage (20-3-30). Wilkes also finished with five blocks, one solo and four assisted.

Patricia Assuncao and Sheila Ocasio-Clemente each added five blocks in the win. Assuncao turned in a double-double performance with 16 kills and 13 digs. She also finished with five service aces.

Leiana Oswald contributed ten kills and nine digs. Michelle Johnson knocked down seven kills with two blocks.

Nicki King added 47 assists and five digs.

BYU was led by Nina Puikkonen. She finished with 24 kills and five block assists. Natalie Whittaker and Sunny Mahe added 14 and 12 kills, respectively.

UNLV looks to continue its winning ways with a Saturday match-up against No. 15 Utah. The match is set for 7 p.m.