Sept. 1, 2001

New Orleans, La. - UNLV split a pair of matches at the Nokia Sugar Bowl Classic on Saturday, defeating New Orleans 3-2 (31-29, 20-30, 30-22, 28-30, 10-15) but then falling to host Tulane 3-1 (30-20, 30-32, 30-15, 30-23). With the split, the Rebels leave the tournament with a 1-2 record for the season.

UNLV started the day with a 3-2 victory over New Orleans. The Privateers led two games to one and were leading 25-21 in game four before the Rebels battled their way back into the match. UNLV outscored New Orleans 9-3 to win the fourth game and force a decisive fifth game. The Privateers jumped out to a 7-4 lead, but allowed UNLV to take over for an 8-7 lead, which the Rebels parlayed into the 15-10 game and match victory.

UNLV wrapped up tournament play with the 3-1 loss to Tulane. The Green Wave front line shut down the attack of the much-taller Rebel team, outhitting UNLV .241 to .140 for the match. The Green Wave also did an admirable job at the serving stripe, tallying 14 aces.

Tulane took control of the match early in game one en route to a 30-20 win. UNLV jumped out to a big lead in game two, but the Green Wave battled back to tie it at 28 before the Rebels went on to win 32-30. It was all Tulane the rest of the way. With the Green Wave pulling out well ahead in games three and four, the Rebels made a few good runs but could not recover.

Leiana Oswald led UNLV with 18 kills. Blair Wilkes added 12 kills, while Patricia Assuncao tallied 11. Shannon Chase led the Rebels defensively with 12 digs and Assuncao finished with 11.

UNLV hosts the Gameworks/UNLV Invitational at the new Cox Pavilion from September 7-9. Gonzaga, Western Carolina, American and Long Beach State will take part in the weekend's action.