TicketsBearcats Knock Off Patriots In Finale
DuPont, Torblaa named to all-tournament team
Contact: Shawn Sell
8/30/2003
Rachel Torblaa was named MVP of the Patriot Invitational. |
FAIRFAX, Va.---Five Bearcats reached double figures in kills as the Cincinnati volleyball team closed out play in the Patriot Invitational with a four-game win over host George Mason in the tournament?s final match on Saturday night. The win ups UC?s record to 3-1 on the young season.
Rachel Torblaa was named the tournament?s most valuable player, finishing the final match with 11 kills and six blocks. Julie DuPont joined Torblaa on the all-tournament squad, wrapping up the finale with 15 kills and seven blocks, while hitting .379. Maria Pongonis (15 kills), Myanna Hellsten (12 kills, six blocks) and Leslie Newell (11 kills) all joined DuPont and Torblaa in double figures. Lindsey Garrison led all players in digs with 10.
The Bearcats were stifling both offensively and defensively against the Patriots as they held a .412 to .161 advantage in hitting. UC was also dominant at the net, tallying 13.5 blocks to just five for George Mason in winning 30-21, 30-19, 28-30, 30-18.
?I thought we played well, especially tonight,? said Bearcat head coach Reed Sunahara of the tournament. ?Tonight was a team effort, everyone contributed. Getting five players into double figures is what a team is all about. I really feel like we are headed in the right direction.?
George Mason (1-3) was led by Aline Pereira with a match-high 23 kills, while Natalia Porosa added 13 and Milena Racic 10.
UC now has nearly a week to prepare for its next tournament. Fifth Third Arena at Shoemaker Center will be the host for the Bearcat Invitational, beginning Friday. The Bearcats are slated to Marshall at 7 p.m. in their first match of the tourney.