Aug. 31, 2001

NEW ORLEANS, La. - UNLV dropped its season opener to Baylor 3-0 (30-24, 30-23, 30-16) on Friday at the NOKIA Sugar Bowl Classic hosted by Tulane University.

As a team, Baylor hit .264 for the match and held UNLV to .141. The Bears, who never trailed and reached 20 first in all three games, racked up 13 service aces, while the Rebels managed just four. Stevie Nicholas and Lloreda led all players with five each. Baylor also out-dug UNLV 50-36.

UNLV was led by Leiana Oswald, who put down 10 kills with only one error. Shannon Chase came off the bench to lead the Rebels with nine digs.

Stevie Nicholas led Baylor with a .344 attack percentage. Laura Daniela Lloreda and Tatiana Kenon added eight kills each, Lloreda also had 11 digs.

The Rebels return to action on Saturday, facing tournament host Tulane at 8:00 a.m. PST, followed by a match against New Orleans at 1:00 p.m. PST.