New Orleans, La. - The University of New Orleans volleyball team fell 3-2 (31-29, 20-30, 30-22, 28-30, 10-15) to UNLV at the NOKIA Sugar Bowl Tournament hosted by Tulane.
The Privateers led two games to one and were leading 25-21 in the fourth game before allowing the Runnin' Rebels back into the match. UNLV outscored New Orleans 9-3 to win the fourth game and force a decisive fifth game. The Privateer jumped out to a 7-4 lead, but allowed UNLV to take a 8-7 lead.
Senior middle blocker Ann MacMillan led the team with 20 kills and 12 digs, while freshman outside hitter Jennifer Cruz added 16 kills and 11 digs. The pair had double-doubles for the second straight game. Junior Alison Howard added 47 assists while classmate Melissa Caravella had 11 kills, nine digs and eight blocks with a .450 hitting percentage.
The Privateers finish off the first regular season tournament later Saturday afternoon against instate rival LSU at 5:30 p.m. New Orleans returns to action next Friday, September 7th against Florida A & M at 7:30 p.m. in the UNO Tournament.
