Sept. 5, 2015 Box Score
THE RUNDOWN
WACO, Texas -- Baylor volleyball secured a four-set victory over Cal Poly, 25-21, 25-18, 23-25, 25-23, at the Ferrell Center Saturday evening. With the win, Baylor claimed first place at the 2015 Hampton Inn North Baylor Invitational.
Baylor got off to a strong start, closing out the first set on a 6-2 run. The Bears carried their momentum into the second set, gashing the Mustangs for a 9-1 run on their way to the 2-0 lead. Cal Poly answered in the third set, cutting the Bears lead down to 2-1.
In the fourth set, Baylor jumped ahead to a 6-2 lead, looking to close out the set and match. The Mustangs answered back, running off a 10-2 run to even the match at 19-19. Trading points and down 23-22, Shelly Fanning's kill drew the match even at 23-23, bringing in freshman Alex Banister to serve. A block from Katie Staigler and Tola Itiola lifted the Bears to the 25-23 set and match victory.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Baylor carried a decisive advantage in blocks, with 15.0 to Cal Poly's 6.5.
• Tola Itiola finished with a career-high 11 blocks in the winning effort.
• Itiola's block count was the most of any Baylor player since Elizabeth Graham's 13 blocks against Stephen F. Austin in 2010.
• Since dropping the season opener, Baylor has not lost a match, extending its win streak to five.
• Along with tournament champions, two Bears earned individual tournament honors: Adrien Richburg as Best Blocker and Shelly Fanning as Tournament MVP.
• With the Invitational victory, Baylor has now won 14 tournaments that they have hosted (2012, 2011, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2002, 2001, 1999, 1996, 1993, 1992, 1987, 1980).
STAT OF THE GAME
3-0 -- First-year head coach Ryan McGuyre's home record to open his career with Baylor.
TOP QUOTE
Head coach Ryan McGuyre:
"We really needed to own the net. That was point number one for us in the locker room. They hit the ball really hard, so our best chance was to beat them at the net. That's something that we didn't do very well last weekend, so it's great to see them emerge with that tonight."
WHAT'S NEXT
Baylor (5-1) will travel to Dayton, OH, to compete in the Dayton Invitational, beginning with a 7 p.m. CT Friday game against Dayton. The Bears will also play a pair of matches on Saturday, facing Cleveland State at 10 a.m. CT and Eastern Illinois at 3 p.m. CT.
