Air Force Academy
UNLV
Falcons Fall to UNLV, 3-0
11/14/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 14, 2002
Despite several valiant game comebacks, the Air Force volleyball team was unable to overcome service errors and a solid blocking Rebel team, falling to UNLV 3-0, (28-30, 37-39, 24-30). In game two, the Falcons overcame a 20-10 deficit before eventually falling 39-37 in the highest scoring game in the history of the Mountain West.
In game one, with the score tied 16-16, the Rebels ran off nine straight points to put the Falcons in a hole. Air Force would not quit however. Trailing 16-25, the team mounted a major comeback, winning 12 of the next 16 points to pull to within one, 28-29. The Rebels would shut the door on the Falcon comeback hopes by winning the next point.
A thrilling game two saw the Falcons fight back after falling behind by 10 points. Trailing 10-20, the team would go on a 14-4 run to tie the score. The teams would exchange points throughout the remainder of the game. Air Force served for the win twice, but was unable to clinch the comeback in what was the highest scoring game in Mountain West history.
Lamecca Jefferson was one of four Falcons in double figures in kills, hitting a team-high 17. Delavane Diaz notched 13 kills and Kristin Hamlett and Tiffany Bishop each had 10. Diaz led the team with nine digs, followed by Kristin Huitt with eight. Huitt also notched 49 assists. The Falcons notched a .191 hitting percentage, knocking 55 kills and 30 errors on 131 attacks. They had 14 service errors and 12 aces, including a career-high six aces for Bishop.
Leiana Oswald had 17 kills to lead the Rebels. Nina Franchini had 12 digs and the team combined for 20 assisted blocks and two solo blocks. They notched a .311 hitting percentage.
The Falcons (8-20, 2-11 MWC) will close out the regular season with a conference match against San Diego State on Saturday, Nov. 16. The Falcons need a victory to avoid being the number eight seed in the conference tournament. Match time is 7 p.m.
