DePaul University Athletics
Blue Demons Bounce Tulane 3-1
10/20/2001 12:00:00 AM | WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL
New Orleans, La. -- DePaul volleyball concluded its weekend road trip with a big 30-22, 28-30, 30-22, 30-26 win over Tulane. Senior Stephanie Bishop recorded a match-high 23 kills breaking the Conference USA career record for kills leading the Blue Demons to the victory. DePaul improves to 16-4 on the season and 7-2 in conference play.
Bishop, who broke the conference career record for digs Tuesday evening against Illinois State, now has 1,856 kills for her career, breaking the former mark of 1,843 set by Cincinnati's Becky Tenkman. She also compiled a match-high 23 digs capping a phenomenal week of play.
"Bishop stepped up once again tonight," said coach Dawn Dockstader. "Throughout her career she has stepped up in big matches and this season has been no different. She makes the plays when we need them. I'm very pleased for her."
The Blue Demons fell behind 13-8 in game one before going on an 8-0 capturing a 16-13 lead. The Green Wave closed the gap to 19-18 but never caught the Demons. DePaul scored eleven of the game's final fifteen points for the 30-22 victory.
Tulane captured the second game 28-30, but the Blue Demons responded in game three with a 30-22 victory. The Demons trailed 18-15 before going on a 15-4 run to finish the game.
DePaul raced out to an early 6-3 lead in game four and never looked back. The Blue Demons used a 13-7 run to take a 19-12 lead. The Demons held on the rest of the way for the 30-26 victory and the match.
"I'm proud of our team and how they played this weekend," said Dockstader. "This was a tough weekend and we picked up two great conference road wins."
In addition to Bishop, senior Christa Dirr recorded 15 kills and senior Melissa Nordine pounded out 15 kills while hitting .414 and collecting 17 digs. Junior Katie Engel compiled 16 digs as well."
Dockstader commented, "Mel (Nordine) and Dirr played great offensively tonight. Engle was strong defensively. This was a good win."
The Blue Demons ride home with a three-match winning streak. DePaul plays host to Bradley on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at the Athletic Center.
