September 20, 1998
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky volleyball team improved its record to 9-3 Saturday, defeating Southern Methodist (8-4) and Clemson (7-3) to claim the Kentucky Conference Challenge at UK’s Memorial Coliseum.
UK junior setter and tournament Most Valuable Player Terri Crabb recorded a match-high 55 assists to go along with 16 digs and three block assists in the championship match, as the Cats defeated Clemson in four games, 6-15, 15-13, 15-13, 15-9. Senior outside hitter LaTanya Webb led the Cats with 22 kills while posting a .313 hitting percentage against the Tigers. Fellow senior, Jenny Muzzey, recorded a double-double with 13 kills and 12 digs while posting a .346 hitting percentage for the Wildcats.
“That was an incredible fight,” UK coach Jona Braden said. “This was one of those moments that you live for as an athlete. We met the challenge that was in front of us and we did it together.”
Clemson was led by junior Cindy Stern with 19 kills and a .410 hitting percentage against the Wildcats.
In the afternoon match, Kentucky defeated Southern Methodist in four games, 15-9, 15-7, 2-15, 15-9. Crabb recorded 43 assists and five digs in the match while notching seven kills. Katie Eiserman and Jenny Muzzey helped lead the offensive attack recording 14 and 12 kills, respectively. Eiserman and Muzzey were also named to the All-Tournament team.
The Wildcats travel to Baton Rouge to open SEC play against the Tigers of LSU on Friday, Sept. 25. UK returns home on Sept. 30, when they take on in-state rival Louisville in Memorial Coliseum at 7 p.m.
Kentucky Conference Challenge
Memorial Coliseum
Clemson def. Arkansas State 17-15, 11-15, 15-7, 16-14
Kentucky def. Southern Methodist 15-9, 15-7, 2-15, 15-9
Southern Methodist def. Arkansas State 16-14, 15-10, 15-12
Kentucky def. Clemson 6-15, 15-13, 15-13, 15-9
All-Tournament Team:
Beth Cochran – Arkansas State
Erin Pryor – Southern Methodist
Alison Coday – Clemson
Cindy Stern – Clemson
Jenny Muzzey – Kentucky
Katie Eiserman – Kentucky
Tournament Most Valuable Player:
Terri Crabb – Kentucky
