University Gymnasium Plays Host to UAlbany Volleyball Classic on September 5-6

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- University Gymnasium will play host to the UAlbany Volleyball Classic on Friday, Sept. 5 and Saturday, Sept. 6. The tournament field features Connecticut, Buffalo and Wright State. The Great Danes, who are coming off a third America East Conference championship in the last four years, opened the 2008 campaign in California last weekend.

UAlbany played three matches at the San Diego State Aztec Invitational, losing to No. 22 San Diego, UC Irvine and the host school. Kamisha Kellam, a first-team all-conference middle blocker, is the top returnee. Amanda Cowdrey received last year’s America East rookie of the year award. Valerie Sourbeer, a junior outside hitter, recorded a career-high 18 kills against San Diego State last Saturday. UAlbany will host another four-team tournament on Sept. 26-27.

UConn is off to a perfect 3-0 start after winning the Northern Illinois tournament title. Annie Luhrsen, a freshman setter, had a solid debut as a collegian. She averaged 12.60 assists per set in tourney play. Chauntay Mickens is fourth among the Big East Conference leaders in kills with a 3.83 average.

Buffalo won two of three matches at the Air Force Invitational in Colorado. Lauren Fensten, a junior libero, has taken over for the program’s all-time digs leader. Kristin Bignell, a sophomore middle blocker, posted 13 kills and just one error in 19 attempts in a four-set victory over Kennesaw Statd.

Wright State stayed close to home to begin the season, playing in the University of Cincinnati’s Vernon Manor/State Farm Bearcat Invitational. Lexi Leonhard registered a double-double with 14 kills and 14 digs against Marshall. Becca Awwa was named to the all-tournament team after recording a career-best 15 digs in the same match.

UAlbany Volleyball Classic (University Gymnasium)

Friday, Sept. 5
Connecticut vs. Wright State, 5:00 p.m.
UAlbany vs. Buffalo, 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 6
Connecticut vs. Buffalo, 10:00 a.m.
UAlbany vs. Wright State, 12:00 p.m.
Buffalo vs. Wright State, 5:00 p.m.
UAlbany vs. Connecticut, 7:00 p.m