Aug. 24, 2007

Box Score

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Katie Sanders recorded her first career double-double as Baylor won its season-opener over Buffalo 3-0 (30-10, 30-18, 32-30) on Friday at the University at Buffalo Classic. Baylor has now won 10 of its last 12 season-opening matches.

Sanders (Katy, Texas) registered 17 kills and added a career-high 10 digs to lead the Bears. Anna Breyfogle (Buda, Texas) totaled nine kills and six total blocks (two solo), while Sarah Grace (Houston, Texas) led Baylor with 15 digs.

"I thought that Katie played really well, especially down the stretch," said head coach Jim Barnes. "She got into a groove toward the end of the third game, and we kept going to her to put the match away."

Baylor jumped out to an early lead in game one as the Bears hit .333 (11-3-24) in the first frame. Buffalo struggled in its first game with three starting freshman, hitting -.204 (6-12-29) in the first game.

The two teams traded the first nine points as Baylor held a 5-4 lead. The Bears then scored 25 of the next 31 points, claiming its largest lead at 30-10.

The Bears continued their offensive efficiency in the second game with 18 kills and seven errors (.282), while the Bulls continued their struggles with seven kills and 10 errors (-.083).

Baylor got out in front early again, winning the first nine points before taking a 13-1 lead and forcing a Buffalo timeout.

Buffalo gained momentum in the third game, pushing Baylor for the first time all night. The Bulls had game point on Baylor with a 29-28 lead, but the Bears scored four of the last five points to earn the 32-30 win to complete the three-game sweep.

"Obviously we would like to cut down on our passing errors," said Barnes. "But I thought for the most part we played pretty well on the defensive end."

Breyfogle led Baylor in hitting efficiency, hitting .471 (9-1-17), and eight Bears registered at least one block.

"I was very proud of Anna tonight," said Barnes. She has had a tough time in practice due to a strained abdominal muscle. But she came out tonight and really attacked the ball well."

Baylor returns to action on Saturday with matches against North Carolina at 12 noon and Stony Brook at 5 p.m. All match starts are Eastern time.