Sept. 6, 2003
TUCSON, Ariz. - On the final day of the Wildcat Classic in Tucson, Ariz., the 20th-ranked Santa Clara University volleyball team showed a lot of heart and determination in its 3-2 victory over the University of Miami. With the win the Broncos capture the tournament title and improve to 5-1 on the season while dropping the Hurricanes to 4-2.
Becky Potter guided the Bronco offense on her 21st birthday with 19 kills to go along with 19 digs en route to Wildcat Classic MVP honors. Kelli Sousa chipped in with 59 assists and nine digs while Cassie Perret registered 10 kills and 16 digs.
The Broncos were forced to overcome adversity after teammate Jac Heler suffered a broken leg in the middle of game two. SCU rallied back from a 28-26 deficit to win game two by a 31-29 score. From there they dropped the next two games before rallying to win the decisive game five by a 15-13 score.
Before she suffered the injury, Heler posted 11 digs, seven kills and two block assits during the first two games.
Elizabeth Tyson led the Miami attack with a match-high 22 kills followed by Valeria Tipiana's 16. Jill Robinson had 46 assists while Jamie Grass posted 18 digs.
Santa Clara will face three tough tests next weekend as they play in the U.S. Bank/Arby's Classic hosted by Nebraska in Lincoln, Neb. The Broncos will take on No. 5 Nebraska next Friday before facing No. 12 Georgia Tech on Saturday and No. 25 Michigan State on Sunday.
