Dec. 1, 2007

Box Score |  Quotes |  Delaware vs. Princeton Recap
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QUEENS, N.Y. - The Red Storm volleyball team won its NCAA Tournament opener Friday night in front of a record crowd of 1,241 at Carnesecca Arena, defeating the LIU Blackbirds 3-0 (30-25, 30-25, 30-16). With the win, St. John's improves to 32-3 overall, and LIU ends the season at 23-14.

The Red Storm was led by senior Hui Ping Huang, who recorded match-high's with 16 kills, a .556 hitting percentage and eight total blocks. Senior Wioleta Leszczynska finished with the match's only double-double, as she dished out 41 assists and pulled in 10 digs, while junior Lena Yee led the team with 12 digs.

Game one was close early as the Red Storm never built a lead greater than thee points. With a 20-19 lead, St. John's pulled away by grabbing six of the next eight points, to extend the lead to 27-21. A kill by senior LaToya Blunt ended game one, 30-25. Junior Casie Brooks tied the game-high with five kills and the team recorded four big blocks.

The Red Storm struggled early in game two, falling behind 10-3 at one point. There was no quit in the girls, however, and they overcame the deficit to tie the game at 17-17, and forced Long Island to take a timeout. After the breather, St. John's took its first lead of the game. Tied at 23-23, the Red Storm ran out a 7-2 run to take the game, 30-25. Huang led all players with 10 kills in game two.

The third game saw St. John's come to form, as the team came out of the locker room with a commanding 2-0 match lead. With the score close at 12-10, Yee went back to serve and and the Red Storm picked up five straight points on her service turn to give St. John's a comfortable 17-10 lead. St. John's extended the lead to 11 points by picking up seven consecutive points, going up 26-15. A kill by senior Elizabeth Austin put the Red Storm into the second round, winning game three 30-16, and the match 3-0.

For the Blackbirds, sophomore Svetlana Semic led all players with 20 digs, while senior Shelby Heggie had a team-high 14 kills and four blocks. Senior Lindsey Patty led the team with 33 assists.

The Red Storm will take on the winner of the earlier match, which saw the University of Delaware defeat Princeton 3-1, (24-30, 32-30, 30-27, 30-22). The Blue Hens and St. John's will square off at 8 p.m. at Carnesecca Arena.

Tickets are still available for purchase through 1-888-GO-STORM or by visiting the ticket office in the lobby of Carnesecca Arena.