Aug. 25, 2000

VERMILLION, S.D. - The University of South Dakota Coyotes have won their first-round match at the University of Nebraska-Kearney Tournament being held Friday and Saturday, August 25-26. The Coyotes will play UNK Friday night at 7 PM.

USD defeated Tarleton State University 15-13, 15-13, 15-12 in their first-round match on Friday. Sophomore Sarah Vollertson of Palmyra, Neb. and freshman Becky Olson of Norfolk, Neb., who each had 10 kills, led the Coyotes.

"Our athletes get one chance to make a first impression and winning in three straight is a pretty good first impression," said USD volleyball head coach Darin Weber. "Every coach comes into every situation -- our goal win or lose was to play well. It is just one. We have a long way to go."

Olson had a .500 kill percentage and Vollertson was right behind with a .444 percentage. Amber Abrams, a sophomore from Rapid City, S.D. also had 10 kills. Katie Wancho of Reddick, Ill. had 36 assists and Olson had 18 digs. The Coyotes had a total of 41 kills, sevens serving aces and 55 digs.

The Coyotes play Nebraska-Kearney later tonight at 7 PM. They have two matches on Saturday.