Temple University Athletics
Temple University
Xavier
OWLS ROUT XAVIER 3-1; ADVANCE TO THE FINAL ROUND OF ATLANTIC 10 VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
11.22.02 | Women's Volleyball
Temple was led by Atlantic 10 All-Conference player Yamit Haba with 19 kills and 12 digs and Atlantic 10 2002 Player of the Year Xu Yun with 17 kills and 15 digs. Outside hitter Liu Shu also posted impressive numbers with 16 kills, five digs and four blocks. Setter of the Year Alison Runk had 60 assists.
In game one, the two teams matched each other point for point until the Owls moved ahead due to the impressive play of outside hitter Liu Shu who posted seven kills, two digs and a service ace in game one alone. The Owls moved ahead and led by as many as five for several minutes. The Musketeers brought the game to within two on a four- point run but it was not enough to overtake the Owls who won the game 30-25.
Game two's action proved to be just as intense. The Owls started the game down by two but quickly recovered thanks to the stellar serving efforts of Xu. Xavier then took a 10-8 lead after the Owls booted the ball out of bounds twice, giving the Musketeers the advantage. Xavier kept at least a two-point lead over Temple for several minutes before three straight kills by Haba and an ace by Xu gave Temple the 17-13 lead. The Cherry and White then ran away with game two, winning 30-25.
Game three belonged to Xavier after the Musketeers started the game with a 6-0 advantage. The lead switched between the two teams several times but Xavier managed to grab the win at the end, 31-29.
There was never any question who would win game four as the Owls started with four straight points and held the lead for the remainder of the game.
The Cherry and White will face the winner of the second semifinal match between Dayton and George Washington tomorrow, November 23 at 7:00 p.m. in the championship round of the tournament.
