WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL

Roster  |  Coaches  |  Schedule / Results  |  News

BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo volleyball program opened up the 1999 season this weekend and went 3-0 at home and 1-0 on the road. The Bulls opened the season with a win at Canisius on Saturday (9/4) in four games, 16-14, 8-15, 15-4,15-11. Sophomore outside hitter Keri Shiels (Baldwin, NY/Baldwin) led the Bulls over the Golden Griffins with 20 kills and six digs while freshman middle hitter Sasha Courbat (Cedar Rapids Iowa/Kirkwood C.C.) and senior middle hitter Rebecca Meade (Selden, NY/Newfield) added 15 and 13 kills, respectively.

UB moved to Alumni Arena late Saturday (9/4) for its home opener, defeating cross-town rival Niagara in four games, 15-7, 15-8, 10-15, 15-4. Shiels led the Bulls with 15 kills and nine digs in the match while sophomore middle hitter Heather Barfuss (Huntington, NY/John H. Glenn) connected for 11 kills and 12 digs.

The Bulls picked up two additional home wins on Sunday (9/5) over Youngstown State. and Navy.

UB defeated Youngstown in the first match on Sunday in five games, 15-13, 13-15, 13-15, 15-10, 15-11. Shiels recorded a career-high 21 kills and 19 digs while Meade added 18 kills and 33 digs in the win over the Penguins. Senior setter Somer Deschambault (Midland, Ontario/St. Theresa's) was impressive with 41 assists and nine digs, as well.

In the second game on Sunday, the Bulls swept Navy in three games, 15-4, 15-1, 15-12 and were led by Meade's 17 kills and 11 digs. Shiels was also strong in the win over the Midshipmen with 11 kills and 18 digs.

First year head coach Nadine Lilavois was impressed by the Bulls in the first weekend of play for 1999.

"Overall I was happy with the play of our team this weekend," said Lilavois. "Our veteran players showed a lot of leadership and I was excited by the agressive play of some of our younger players. We have many challenges ahead of this season and I believe if we stay focused and continue to improve we are going to be competitive."

The Bulls are 4-0 on the season and will return to action this weekend (9/10-11) at the Montana State Tournament. UB is scheduled to play Montana State on Friday (9/10) at 7:30 pm. On Saturday, the Bulls will challenge Villanova at 10:00 am and New Orleans at 5:00 pm.