Aug. 30, 2002

Box Score

LONG BEACH, Calif. - Stevie Nicholas posted her school-record extending eighth career 30-kill match with 30 kills and five service aces, but it was not enough as Baylor's volleyball team dropped a 30-25, 25-30, 21-30, 28-30 decision to Oral Roberts in first-day action of the Mizuno Invitational hosted by Long Beach State.

Baylor dropped its first season opener since falling to Illinois State in three games to open the 1995 season. Oral Roberts now leads the all-time series with Baylor 6-2.

Nicholas pounded nine kills with no errors in 11 attempts in the first game as the Bears rode a strong start for the game one victory. Baylor hit .294 in the opener, holding ORU to a .250 attacking percentage.

However, that turned out to be Baylor's best attacking game and Oral Roberts' worst attacking game. The Bear finished the match with a .170 attacking percentage, while the Eagles blistered Baylor's defense at .315.

Nicholas, who finished the match with a .300 attacking percentage (30-12-60) was the only Baylor player to reach double figures in the kills department. Tisha Schwartz followed with nine kills and led the Bears with four blocks. Jillian Mazzarella, who started and played the first two games at setter, finished with 25 assists and a team-high 11 digs. Lisa Smith added 10 digs and three blocks.

Emily Huston played setter in the final two games and tallied 22 assists and three blocks. Laura Daniela Lloreda also had five service aces.

Baylor returns to action Saturday, facing Loyola-Chicago at 1 p.m. CDT and host No. 5 Long Beach State at 9:30 p.m. CDT.