Nov. 18, 2005

Box Score

Fourth-seeded UTEP coasted into the semifinals of Conference USA Volleyball Championship with a 3-0 win over East Carolina Friday afternoon. The Miners were led by senior Kari Stacy, who collected a match-high 17 kills in the winning effort. UTEP improves its record to 21-9 overall and will test that record Saturday against top-seeded Marshall at 5 p.m. in Rice's Autry Court.

"Today was a great win for our program," said UTEP head coach Scott Swanson. "Every win in a conference tournament is important as it is some programs last chance at making the NCAA Tournament. So you have to give it your all every match."

Playing in the Miners' first conference tournament appearance since the 2002 squad, Stacy knew what the win meant. The senior hit .300 in game one to lead all Miners. She finished the match with seven digs and a .214 attack percentage.

"Stacy has done big things for our program," Swanson stated. "She has helped pull in great recruits such as Brooke (Peugh), which will only continue. I think that she helps lift everyone's confidence."

Also a strong force for the Miners were freshman Brooke Peugh, who was named to the All-Freshmen and All-Conference third team earlier in the week, and sophomore Christie Murphy. Peugh tallied 10 kills, while Murphy had 12. Katie Smith led the squad with 46 assists.

For the Pirates, senior Pam Ferris recorded a double-double showing with 10 kills and 11 digs, while Mignon Dubenion had 11 kills to led all ECU players.

The last time Marshall and UTEP battled was Sept 23 to open the 2005 Conference USA season. The Miners look to avenge a 3-0 loss to the Thundering Herd in tomorrow's semifinal contest.

For complete C-USA Championship coverage, please go to: C-USA Tournament Central.

2005 C-USA VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE

Thursday, November 17, 2005: Match 1 - (9) UCF def. (8) Memphis, 3-1 (22-30, 30-24, 30-24, 30-24) Match 2 - (5) East Carolina def. (12) Southern Miss, 3-0 (30-21, 32-30, 30-27) Match 3 - (11) Tulane def. (6) Rice, 3-2 (31-33, 30-23, 30-27, 18-30, 15-13) Match 4 - (7) SMU def. (10) UAB, 3-1 (27-30, 30-28, 30-26, 30-21)

Friday, November 18, 2005 (Quarterfinals):
Match 5 - (1) Marshall def. UCF, 3-2 (24-30, 23-30, 30-25, 30-23, 15-10) Match 6 - (4) UTEP def. East Carolina, 3-0 (30-25, 31-29, 30-25) Match 7 - (3) Tulsa vs. Tulane, 6 p.m. Match 8 - (2) Houston vs. SMU, 8 p.m.

Saturday, November 19, 2005 (Semifinals):
Match 9 - Winner of Match 5 vs. Winner of Match 6, 5 p.m.
Match 10 - Winner of Match 7 vs. Winner of Match 8, 7 p.m.

Sunday, November 20, 2005 (Championship):
Match 11 - Championship Match (CSTV), 4 p.m.

All Times Central.
All matches will be played at Autry Court, Houston, Texas.