Aug. 29, 2003

Box Score

WACO, Texas - The Baylor volleyball team opened the 2003 season with a pair of wins Friday, defeating Texas-San Antonio 3-0 and Houston 3-1 in day one of the Baylor Classic, presented by Holiday Inn.

In game one of the day and of the season, sophomore Stella Odion recorded her fifth career double-double as the Bears (2-0) rolled over UTSA (0-1), 30-24, 30-16, 30-24. Odion notched 10 digs to go along with 10 kills, as she was one of three Bears to record a double-digit kill total. Senior Tisha Schwartz and freshman Nicole LeBlanc tied for the team lead with 11 kills apiece, and senior Stevie Nicholas added a team-high 15 digs in her first game back from injury.

In her collegiate debut, LeBlanc hit .529, making just two errors in 17 attempts. Sophomore setter Emily Huston added five kills in seven attempts for a robust .714 attack percentage. Freshmen Andrea Vakulya and Desiree Guilliard-Young joined LeBlanc in making their collegiate debuts.

In the second game of the day, Baylor beat a tough Houston (1-1) team 30-28, 30-23, 27-30, 30-18 to cap the 2-0 day. Schwartz recorded her first career 20-20 night, totalling a team-high 23 kills to go along with a career-best 20 digs.

LeBlanc continued to hit well, attacking at a .370 clip in game two of her young career. Schwartz hit .314 (23-5-51), and Vakulya hit .310 (14-5-29) to provide the fuel for the offense. Nicholas added 17 more digs, showing that she has quickly settled into her new role at the libero position.

In other action at the Baylor Classic, Houston came from behind to defeat Wyoming 19-30, 30-28, 30-21, 30-21 in the first game of the day. The Cowgirls rebounded later in the day to beat Ole Miss, 30-21, 30-24, 30-27.

The tournament continues Saturday, as the Bears face off against Wyoming (2:30 p.m.) and Ole Miss (7:30 p.m.). The Rebels face the Roadrunners Saturday at noon, and Houston plays UTSA at 5 p.m.