Aug. 26, 2006

Georgetown Box Score [] George Washington Box Score

WASHINGTON - The American University women's volleyball squad split its two matches on the second day of the D.C. Challenge Tournament Saturday, defeating Georgetown, but falling to George Washington both in four games.

The Eagles appeared to put Friday night's defeat behind them in the opening game of the day's first match against GW, storming to a 30-19 win on over .350 hitting. From there, the Eagles' hitting went downhill and they lost the final three games to drop the match 3-1. Rubena Sukaj (Tirana, Albania/Asim Vokshi) was outstanding on the attack throughout the match, hitting 24 kills at a .513 percentage and Ivana Cebakova (Brno, Czech Republic/Ludvika Danka) had 25 digs for the Eagles defense. Sophomore Christina Nash (Princeton, Fla./Coral Reef) had 55 assists in the loss as well.

The afternoon's second match was more pleasant for AU fans as they rolled to a 3-1 victory over the Hoyas. The Eagles combined for .290 hitting percentage and nine total blocks, led again by Sukaj on the offense with 21 kills. This match Julia Borecka (Bielsko-Biala, Poland) complemented her with 10 kills at a .364 clip.

"Rubena was on fire today," head coach Barry Goldberg said. "Iva was very good today and Ann Recht had a great opening weekend."

For their performances over the weekend both Sukaj and Cebakova were named to the All-Tournament team.

The Eagles volleyball team has a week off before they return to the court for the AU Classic in Bender, next Friday and Saturday.