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Thursday, Dec. 04, 2008

Cats host Michigan in NCAA volleyball tournament

UK playing in fourth straight tourney

The University of Kentucky women's volleyball team opens its school-record fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament when it hosts Michigan in Memorial Coliseum, Thursday at 7 p.m.

Saint Louis and Alabama A&M begin play at 5 p.m.

Thursday's winners will meet Friday at 7 p.m.

Craig Skinner is the only UK coach to lead his team to the post-season in every season he has coached.

The Wildcats (26-5) are making their 10th NCAA appearance overall. They are 8-9 in NCAA play, having advanced to two Regional Finals.

Last season, UK fell in the opening round to Michigan State, at Dayton, Ohio.

UK junior setter Sarah Rumely, the Southeastern Conference Player of the Year, led a school-record five Wildcats on All-SEC teams. UK finished second to Florida with an SEC record of 17-3.

Michigan finished fifth in the Big Ten. The Wolverines are led by Juliana Paz and Beth Karpiak, each averaging more than three kills per set. Setter Lexi Zimmerman contributes 11.44 assists per set.

Saint Louis (28-4) won the Atlantic 10 Championship with a 13-0 A-10 record and has an overall 20-match winning streak.

The Billikens average an ace per set and have two players who average over three kills per set.

Alabama A&M (14-16) won the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament and went 6-2 in SWAC play.

Three players average more than two kills a set for the Lady Bulldogs, led by Karensa Beckford's 2.34.

Fans are encouraged to use Parking Structure 5, located next to Kennedy's Bookstore on Limestone Avenue, free of charge. Shuttle bus service will begin one hour prior to match time.