Sept. 5, 2003
AMES, Iowa – The University of Kentucky volleyball team defeated Western Illinois, 3-1, in the opening match of the Cyclone Challenge in Ames, Iowa, on Friday, Sept. 5. It marks the third consecutive win of the season for UK and moves their 2003 record to 3-1.
Kentucky won the first game 30-19 and the second game by score of 30-22. After dropping a tough third game decision to WIU, 35-33, the Cats rebounded to win the deciding fourth game, 30-17. Kentucky hit .372 on the match to Western’s .168.
Leading UK in the win was freshman Melissa Popp, who totaled 15 kills and eight digs on .244 hitting. Senior Julie Davis earned her first career start and recorded personal bests with 10 kills, .692 hitting and four block assists. The kills were the first of Davis’ injury plagued career.
Sophomore Danielle Wallace also enjoyed a coming out party, putting down a career-best 13 kills on .700 hitting. Senior Sissy Canfield was reliable with 13 kills on .409 hitting, while freshmen Jenni Casper and Julie Gagnon were defensive stoppers with nine and five digs, respectively.
Kentucky returns to the court at 10 a.m. ET on Saturday to face Iowa before closing tournament play at 5 p.m. against host Iowa State.
