Volleyball Looks To Break Losing Streak In Weekend Tournament :: Oklahoma faces Tulsa, Grambling State and Louisiana-Monroe in Ewing-Grover Olds/GMC Invitational.

	">Printer-Friendly Format ">E-mail this article Senior Jessica Barney and sophomore Candice Woods hope to collect a few more blocks this weekend in the Ewing Grover Olds/GMC Invitational

Volleyball Looks To Break Losing Streak In Weekend Tournament

Oklahoma faces Tulsa, Grambling State and Louisiana-Monroe in Ewing-Grover Olds/GMC Invitational.

Sept. 11, 2002

NORMAN, Okla. - Oklahoma volleyball has never lost to the University of Tulsa (30-0). Grambling State and Louisiana-Monroe have a combined record of 2-10. In the midst of a season-opening five-match losing streak, this weekend could be a chance for the Sooners (0-5) to turn the tide. The Ewing-Grover Olds/GMC Invitational begins Friday at 4 p.m. when OU faces Grambling State in the Donald W. Reynolds Center on the Tulsa campus. Saturday, Oklahoma faces Louisiana Monroe at noon and Tulsa at 7 p.m.

"If we cut down our unforced errors and play consistent volleyball this weekend, we should win," said OU Head Coach Kalani Mahi. "On paper, this weekend's opponents are not as talented as the teams we have already played, but regardless, we have to cut down on our mistakes to win."

Outside hitters Christina Barlow and Megan O'Connell lead OU offensively with 3.29 and 2.60 kills per game, respectively. Barlow is also leading the way on defense, with a team-high 2.43 digs per game. Sophomore middle blocker Candice Woods is averaging 1.13 blocks per game while Barlow is a close second with 0.71. Woods had eight block assists Tuesday against Oral Roberts, tying a career high. Senior setter Jessica Barney is averaging 9.27 assists per game, barely below her average of 9.3 in 2001.

Tulsa (7-1) has competed in two tournaments already this season, going 3-1 in the White Eagle Invitational (Hamilton, N.Y.) and sweeping its way to the Northwestern State Tournament title (Natchitoches, La.). Tulsa swept Grambling State in the Northwestern State tourney last weekend. Grambling State is 1-5 aftering failing to win a match last weekend. Louisiana Monroe is also 1-5 on the season, with its lone victory over Missippissi Valley State.

Four of OU's five opponents this season have received American Volleyball Coaches Association Top 25 votes, with Bradley the only outsider. Tulsa, Grambling and Louisiana Monroe have not received any votes, nor have any of their opponents.

"This weekend is about executing the little things," said senior outside hitter Megan O'Connell. "If we concentrate and play our game we'll be able to compete with anybody."

Oklahoma opens Big 12 play Wednesday, Sept. 18, against Iowa State at the Howard McCasland Field House at 7 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children. Student admission is free with a valid student ID. The Big 12 opener also marks Oklahoma volleyball "Hawaiian Night", fans dressed in the best island attire will win free prizes.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Volleyball Looks To Break Losing Streak In Weekend Tournament :: Oklahoma faces Tulsa, Grambling State and Louisiana-Monroe in Ewing-Grover Olds/GMC Invitational.

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