Sept. 8, 2006

Box Score

WASHINGTON - The American University women's volleyball team was in striking distance of the No. 18 Pepperdine Waves in the first two games, but could not overcome its opponent's numerous runs, falling 3-0 Friday night at the Golden Bear Invitational.

American outhit and had more blocks than the Waves in the first game, but the team's six service errors proved to be too costly as the Eagles fell 30-25. AU drew back from down 21-12 to make the score as close as 26-23. American was led by Rubena Sukaj's (Tirana, Albania/Asim Vokshi) five kills and strong blocking from upperclassmen Elizabeth Maloney (Toronto, Ontario/Richview C.I.) and Chelsa Brooks (Hilliard, Ohio/Hilliard Darby) who both had three individual blocks.

The second game was much the same story as Pepperdine won 30-24. Again the teams played closely through the first 10 points, but the Waves broke away to a 16-8 lead and the Eagles clawed back to 27-23. AU remained strong at the net with three total blocks, but the Eagle hitters struggled to a .116 hitting percentage and the team had five service errors.

After falling behind in the third game 11-2, the Eagles could not muster the same comeback attempt as the previous games, losing 30-17.

Sukaj was the lone Eagle with double-digit kills (13) in the match. Setter Christina Nash (Princeton, Fla./Coral Reef) had four kills on seven attempts as well as 13 assists and two block assists. Maloney, who's serving helped the team forge its comebacks in the first two games, had seven kills, two service aces and a season-high four individual blocks. Brooks led the team in blocks with six total blocks (two solo, four assists). American proved to be its own foe in serving with 12 errors, which brings the team's total to 50 in its three losses.

Barry Goldberg's squad returns to the court tomorrow where they'll face No. 13 Cal at 12 p.m. PT and Colorado State at 4:30 p.m. PT.