TicketsSept. 2, 2006
PEORIA, Ill.---Cincinnati set several school block records as the Bearcats cruised to the Radisson Hotel Invitational title with a three-game rout of host Bradley on Saturday night in Robertson Field House. The 30-16, 30-15, 30-20 victory improves UC's win streak to three and ups the squad's record to 5-1 on the year.
Senior Myanna Hellsten, who has played with a rejuvenated spirit thus far in 2006, was at the center as she set single match records for most block assists (12) and total blocks (13) in a three-game match, while matching the mark for most blocks in a match regardless of game. UC also notched a team mark for most total blocks in a three-game match with 22.0.
In addition to Hellsten's big night, the Bearcats' spread the blocking wealth, getting nine from Jessie Nevitt, seven from Jessica Elley and five from Jenny Custer. Elley, the tournament most valuable player, nearly pulled off a triple-double, finishing with 13 kills, 11 digs and the seven blocks. No other player on either squad reached double-figures in kills.
The Bearcats dominated the first two games, never trailing in either frame. The Bearcats scored the 14-point win in game one, despite hitting just .111. As was the story of the match, defense was the key as Bradley hit -.139 for the frame.
Game two was the same story as the Bearcats held Bradley in the negatives again at -.100. Bradley finally gained its first advantage of the match early in game three, but saw Cincinnati go ahead to stay on a Nevitt kill at 6-5.
The Bearcats will be back in action next weekend, traveling to Boulder, Colo. for the Colorado Tournament. UC opens play against the host Buffaloes on Thursday at 7 p.m. MT.
All-Tournament Team
Sarah Trimpe--Western Illinois
Ashley Genslak--Austin Peay
Jennifer Bohan--Bradley
Kelly Niemeyer--Bradley
Jenny Custer--Cincinnati
Jessie Nevitt--Cincinnati
Jessica Elley--Cincinnati (MVP)