Sept. 9, 2006

Box Score

BOULDER, Colo. - The Southern Miss volleyball team dropped its final match in the Colorado Invitational, losing to host Colorado, 3-0 (30-19, 30-17, 30-26). Southern Miss evened its record to 5-5, Colorado improved to 4-3.

Junior Mari Ruddick led Southern Miss with 11 kills and Maia Ivanova recorded 11 digs. Morgan Johnson posted a match-high seven blocks.

Johnson was named to the all-tournament team following her weekend performance. She finished the tournament with 26 kills and 16 total blocks. She had an attack percentage of .413.

Colorado's Lara Bossow had 11 kills, Kristen Karlik and Alex Buth had 14 and 10 digs, respectively.

Colorado opened game one with an 11-4 lead. Colorado continued to dominate the game, jumping out to a 21-12 advantage. The Golden Eagles got back within eight points at 27-19, but Colorado finished the game at 30-19.

Colorado quickly went up, 9-2, to start the second game. Southern Miss then went on a 5-2 run to get back within 12-7. Colorado used an 8-2 run, increasing its lead to 20-9. The Buffs closed the game at 30-17. CU hit .476 in the game, recording 17 kills on 30 attacks with three errors.

Both teams battled early in the third game with Southern Miss even leading Colorado by one point four times in the game, the last being at coming at 13-12. Colorado rattled off three straight points to retake a two point lead, but Southern Miss tied the game at 15. Colorado would never trail in the game after that and went on a 6-1 run, taking a 21-16 lead. Southern Miss fought back within one point at 24-23, but Colorado held on for the 30-26 win.

Colorado finished the match out hitting Southern Miss .239 to .092. Southern Miss recorded 11.0 blocks with 42 digs.

Southern Miss returns to action on Wednesday, Sept. 13, when the Lady Eagles travel to Nicholls State.