Sept. 15, 2000

EVANSVILLE, Ill. - The Cleveland State volleyball team rallied from deficits in Games 1 and 2 to post a three-game victory over the University of Buffalo, 16-14, 16-14, 15-5 in the opening game of the Hampton Inn/Northwestern Wildcat Classic Friday night at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

The Vikings fell behind 11-0 in the first game before making their comeback and then were forced to hold off seven game points at 13-14 in the second.

Senior outside hitter Molly Hoying (St. Henry, OH/St. Henry) paced the Vikes with 16 kills while sophomore outside hitter Michelle Iafigliola (Mentor, OH/Mentor) knocked down 15. Senior middle hitter Michele Smith (Fremont, OH/Fremont) added 13 kills while hitting .417 for the match and chipped in three block solos along with six block assists.

As a team, CSU hit .256 (55K-22E-129TA) compared to .202 (52K-29E-114TA). The Vikes also recorded 12 team blocks compared to seven for the Bulls.

The Vikings return to action Tuesday, Sept. 5 when they travel to the University of Akron for a 7:30 p.m. matchup with the Zips at the JAR Arena.