Sept. 8, 2001

LAS VEGAS - With a 3-1 (24-30, 30-22, 32-30, 30-21) victory over American University on Saturday night, UNLV won the Gameworks/UNLV Invitational Tournament. UNLV, American and Gonzaga all finished 2-1in tournament play, but a second-tier tiebreaker gave the tournament title to the Rebels.

UNLV junior Blair Wilkes was named MVP of the tournament, while freshman setter Nikki King was named to the All-Tournament Team.

"It's flattering," said Wilkes on her selection as MVP. "I'm not the only one who stepped up this weekend. Shannon Chase came in tonight and played well at the outside hitter position, a spot she hasn't played in years. I think we're playing well and this gives us a lot of momentum heading into next weekend's tournament in Arkansas."

Wilkes finished the final match versus American with 13 kills and a team-high .440 (13-2-25) attack percentage. She also knocked down four blocks and served a pair of aces.

Leiana Oswald led the team with 15 kills. She also added eight digs. Chase finished with a team-high ten digs to go along with eight kills. Michelle Johnson added 14 kills and nine blocks.

Freshman Sheila Ocasio-Clemente, who currently ranks second in the Mountain West Conference in blocks per game, notched 13 blocks on the night, two solo and 11 assisted.

American was led by Karla Kucerkova's 14 kills and ten blocks. She joins teammate Sabrina Vasconcelos on the All-Tournament Team.

UNLV began the day with a 3-0 (30-28, 30-21, 30-23) victory over Western Carolina. Wilkes led the team with 14 kills and a .545 (14-2-22) attack percentage in that match.

Leiana Oswald recorded her first double-double of the season with 12 kills and 13 digs.

American finished the tournament in second place, Gonzaga third and Western Carolina fourth. Gonzaga's Christina Davis and WCU's Christy Attebery rounded out the All-Tournament Team.

UNLV travels to the Arkansas Tournament on September 14-15, where they will face Southeast Missouri, North Texas and the University of Arkansas.