Highlanders Split Final Two Matches At Golden Bear Invitational

Saturday, September 6

Berkeley, CA

12:00 PM

UC Riverside

James Madison

Highlanders Split Final Two Matches At Golden Bear Invitational

9/6/2008 7:26:18 PM | Women's Volleyball

UC Riverside finished with the second best record at the Golden Bear Invitational winning two of three matches on the weekend. After defeating DePaul and James Madison by identical 3-1 scores in their first two matches, the Highlanders fell to host and fifth-ranked California 3-0 in their final match of the tournament.

In UCR's first match of the day, the Highlanders picked up a come-from-behind win over James Madison. Neither team led by more than three in the first set, and UCR trailed by just one, 20-19, before the Dukes ended the set by scoring the final five points.

It was the Highlanders turn to break open a close game in the second set as they turned a 15-13 lead into a 25-18 win. UCR took the third set 25-23 after falling behind early, 10-6, as Kelly Quinn (Brentwood, CA) picked up two of the Highlanders final three kills. In the final set of the match, the Dukes once again took an early lead and were still up three, 15-12, before UCR closed things out on a 13-5 run. Kelly Simpson (Modesto, CA) provided kills on three of the Highlanders final five points.

In the evening match, the Highlanders took on fifth-ranked California, falling to the Golden Bears three games to none. Dominique Cowling led UCR with seven kills in the match and Brittney Murrey recorded 19 assists, but the Highlanders posted an attack percentage of just .010 on the night compared to California's .214.

The Highlanders next travel to Portland, OR on September 12 and 13 for the Portland State Volleyball Showcase where they will take on Oregon State, Portland State, Idaho and Portland.