Sept. 1, 2006

Box Score

DALLAS, Texas - Junior Dani Johnson posted a career-best 21 kills and 15 digs and freshman Teena Sobczak added 17 kills and 11 digs, but it was not nearly enough as UT Arlington could not overcome a two-game deficit as they fell to SMU 18-30, 26-30, 30-17, 21-30 Friday evening in the first match of Radisson Hotel/Mustang Classic.

As was the case in the last match, the Mavericks did not show up to play in the first two games and the Mustangs made quick work of the Mavs.

UTA (3-2) had a different approach in game three as the Mavs jumped out to a 9-3 advantage behind three kills and a service ace from Johnson. The Mavs maintained pressure throughout the game as they did not let SMU get within four points and opened a 23-12 lead on a kill by Sobczak.

The Mavs seemed poised to continue the momentum in the fourth game as they raced out to an 8-4 advantage. That would serve as the beginning of the end for UTA as after a timeout the Mustangs went on a 6-0 run to take the lead for good.

UTA would battle back to tie the score 13-13 before a 10-2 turned the lights out on the comeback. Natalie Peters led four Mustangs in double digits with 21 kills. Caitlin Rainbird added 19, Rachel Giubilato 18 and Kendra Kahanek 13 as SMU recorded 80 kills in the match.

The Mavs return to action Saturday morning as they take on Toledo at 11 a.m. UTA will close out the tournament with a 5 p.m. match against Grambling State.