Aug. 25, 2007

LAS VEGAS - The Virginia volleyball team (2-0, 0-0 ACC) outlasted Arizona State Saturday, defeating the Sun Devils 3-2. It was the first of two matches the Cavaliers will play on the second and final day of the Las Vegas Tournament.

Virginia claimed the first two games, defeating ASU 30-17 and 30-25. Unfortunately the Cavaliers were unable to put game three away, losing 31-29. The Devils then claimed game four, 30-24 to allow for a match-deciding fifth game.

The final game was neck-and-neck before Arizona State was able to go in front, 14-12. But Virginia got two quick points thanks to a Sun Devil service error and a service ace from Beth Shelton. ASU went ahead again, 15-14, but the Cavaliers took the next three points, the game and the match.

Virginia tallied a .237 hitting percentage to ASU's .172. Arizona State, an NCAA Tournament participant last season, dropped to 0-2.

Lauren Dickson and Sarah Kirkwood led Virginia with 18 kills apiece. Four Cavaliers posted double-figure digs: Melissa Caldwell (16), Dickson (14), Kirkwood (12) and Marlow Bruneau (11). Bruneau also added six blocks and finished with 41 assists. Oakes had seven blocks while Shannon Davis also had a solid afternoon with eight kills and a team-best eight blocks.

Virginia will battle UNLV at 10 p.m. Saturday (7 p.m. PT) for a chance to bring home the Las Vegas Tournament title.