RAMS DROP TOURNAMENT FINALE TO PITT, 3-1
9-20-08
Box Score

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Sophomore Ariel Newman (Greensboro, N.C.) hit .345 with 13 kills to lead Virginia Commonwealth University, but Pitt came away with a 3-1 (25-23, 25-20, 16-25, 25-16) victory Saturday at the Pitt Invitational at Fitzgerald Field House.

The loss halts VCU’s season-high win streak at four and drops the Rams to 7-5. Pitt is 7-7.

Sophomore Kelsie Clegg (Boise, Idaho) provided 11 kills, three blocks and hit .450 for the Black and Gold.

Kelly Campbell booked a match-high 20 kills and Nicole Taurence had 44 assists to pace Pitt.

The Panthers held off the Rams, 25-23, in the opening set and led wire-to-wire in the second to pull ahead, 2-0, in the match.

However, VCU hammered out a 25-16 win in set three. The Rams hit .382 in the frame, while Pitt struggled, registering a .125 percentage.

VCU looked for the equalizer in the fourth set, but with the period knotted at 13-all, Pitt staged an 8-3 burst to take command.

The Rams return home to the Alltel Pavilion for their next match, a 7 p.m. tilt with league-rival William & Mary on Thursday, Sept. 25.