Sept. 6, 2008
Box Score
WACO, Texas - Qian Zhang recorded a career-high 10 kills to lead Baylor to a 3-0 (25-16, 25-16, 25-23) sweep over UTSA in the day's first match in the Baylor Classic. Baylor won its sixth-straight match this season, and has not dropped a set in its three matches this weekend.
Zhang, a freshman from Beijing, China, entered the match as a substitute in the first set and finished the match at outside hitter. She tallied her 10 kills with only one hitting error to hit .391 for the match. She also added six digs and three total blocks.
"My coaches and our team have really helped me a lot," said Zhang. "We have good communication and play with confidence. We never give up as a team."
Ashlie Christenson added eight kills for the Bears, while Katie Sanders and Taylor Barnes tallied seven kills apiece. Ashley Byrd and Anna Breyfogle also contributed six kills for the Bears.
"Our goal was to play a lot of people and give some of our starters a rest," said head coach Jim Barnes. "Qian played really well for us. She played like we have been seeing her play in practice. She hits the ball hard, and she gives us a solid sub as a third outside hitter."
Allison King led the back row defense with a match-high 21 digs, as Baylor tallied more kills than its opponent for the sixth time this season. King's 21 digs ties for the third-highest dig total in a three-set match in Baylor history.
"We have been playing with a lot of passion," said King. "Anna (Breyfogle), Taylor (Barnes) and Katie (Sanders) really push us to the next level. They set the bar high and we try to get there. Today we stayed focused and tried to cut down on our errors."
The Bears also outblocked its opponent for the sixth time this year as Baylor tallied 11 blocks to five for UTSA. Breyfogle led the way with six total blocks including one solo, while Briana Tolbert added five blocks including a solo block. Seven Baylor players recorded at least one block in the match.
Barnes also reached double-digit digs with 10, and added 27 set assists for the Bears.
The win moves Baylor to 6-0 on the season, while UTSA falls to 1-5. Baylor returns to action on Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. as the Bears face Rice at the Baylor Classic.
