Sept. 28, 2002

LAS VEGAS - The UNLV volleyball team's bid for a second straight win over BYU fell short with a 3-2 (31-29, 30-26, 24-30, 25-30, 17-19) loss on Saturday night, in what was easily the most tightly contested match of the season. UNLV's 3-1 win over BYU on November 9 of last season was the first victory over the Cougars in school history. The series now stands at 10-1 in favor of BYU.

The loss drops UNLV to 4-11 on the season, 0-2 in Mountain West Conference play. BYU improves to 6-9, 1-1 in league play.

Three Rebels finished with double-digit kills, led by Blair Wilkes' match-high 22. She hit .474 (22-4-38) for the match.

Shannon Chase, playing outside for the second game this season, tallied 15 kills and 14 digs. She also added three service aces and a pair of block assists.

Patricia Assuncao finished with 14 kills, seven blocks and four digs.

Setter Nicki King posted 57 assists, seven digs and three kills.

Tarin Keith played only two games, but still managed eight kills and seven digs.

Nina Franchini, playing libero, finished with 13 digs, while Tera Mayes added six.

BYU was led by April Varner, who tallied 19 kills, 14 digs and four blocks.

UNLV travels to Wyoming on Oct. 4, followed by Colorado State on Oct. 5. Both matches are set for 6 p.m. PST. The Rebels return home on Oct. 18 for a 7 p.m. match with New Mexico.