Colorado University Athletics
Colorado
Saint Louis
Buffs Top Billikens To Stop Losing Streak
September 05, 2002 | Volleyball
LOS ANGELES - Middle blockers Meghan Barkman and Monique Gerlach combined for 27 kills on the night to lead the University of Colorado volleyball team (1-3) to their first win of 2002 as they overcame the St. Louis Billikens (1-3) 30-18, 30-26, 30-23 Friday night in game one of the Loyola Marymount University Classic in Los Angeles, Calif.
"I think we played pretty well for the most part," Colorado head coach Pi'i Aiu said. "If we're going to be a really good team and make an impact in the tournament, or make an appearance at the tournament, we need to play more consistently. Overall, though, I think our middles really stepped up and played well for us tonight, and it was good to get the win."
Colorado entered 2002 ranked 21st in the nation, only to drop after falling to No. 4 Hawai'i, No. 9 Ohio State, and No. 11 UCLA last weekend at the 15th Annual Hawaiian Airlines Wahine Classic in Honolulu. It was the first time the Buffs have opened a season against three ranked opponents.
Against SLU, Barkman, a senior from Glen Ellyn, Ill., tallied a match-high 23 kills in the Buffs' win as she finished second on the squad with a .542 hitting mark. Barkman currently stands 10th all-time on the CU hitting charts for middles as she has 945 kills in her career. Gerlach, a junior from Monarch Beach, Calif., had 12 kills as she performed in front of some local fans, hitting a match-high .647 hitting percentage with eight digs and three service aces. Freshman left side Nicole Carr was the third Buffalo to claim double-figures in kills with 11 and her 11 matching digs on the night gave her the match?s only double-double and the first of her career.
Colorado head coach Pi?i Aiu is now just one victory away from his 100th career win. He currently stands at 99-55 throughout his tenure in Boulder. Aiu will become the second coach in CU volleyball history to reach the 100-win plateau.
The Buffs look now to prepare to face Notre Dame and Loyola Marymount in day-two action of the LMU classic before they return to Boulder to open the regular season at home against Colorado State University on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. at the Coors Events/Conference Center.
