Nov. 23, 2006
LAS VEGAS - The fourth-seeded UNLV Rebels (20-9) made quick work of their quarterfinal match against the fifth-seeded Wyoming Cowgirls (13-15) on Thursday night at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nev. The Rebels only needed three games to advance to Friday's semifinal round against the winner of the top-seeded Utah and eighth-seeded New Mexico match. UNLV won the match with scores of 30-22, 30-25, 30-23.
The Rebels jumped out early and never let up as they hit a staggering .342 for the match, which included a .395 percentage in game two. Overall, UNLV hit no worse than .286 (game three) and kept their errors between three and five in each game.
Wyoming hit no higher than .240 (game two) and as low as .115 (game three). Wyoming amassed more errors than UNLV in each game with a game-high 10 in the third.
The Rebels were led by a double-double from Maria Aladjova, who used a combination of 13 kills and 10 digs for the achievement. Lauren Miramontes racked up 13 kills, as well.
Setting up UNLV's offense was Kristin Koochi with 19 assists and Melody Nua chipping in 22, as well.
Defensively, Koochi put together 10 digs for a double-double, while Jada Walker led all with 15. Aladjova joined the pair in double-digits with 10.
At the net, UNLV got two solo blocks and one solo from Brittani Lumsden and one solo. Samantha Noland put back five Cowgirl attacks (all assisted). Lauren Miramontes had the match-high with one solo and five assisted.
Wyoming was led by Rachel Smith's 14 kills. Andrea Seele followed closely behind with 12. Tasha Weishan assisted on 36 of the Cowgirl attacks.
Annie Meyers led all UW defenders with 13 digs and Carissa Lee trailed with 10.
With the win, UNLV has now advanced into the semifinals for the third straight year. Also, UNLV set a school record with its 13th sweep of the season, surpassing the record previously held by the 1998 squad. The 20-wins by UNLV this season are the most for Rebel squad since 1998's 23-8 campaign.
