Aug. 25, 2002

Manhattan, Kan. - The 22nd-ranked Kansas State women's volleyball held its annual Alumni match and Purple and White scrimmage on Saturday night before 175 fans at Ahearn Field House. After a match-up of alumni to start the evening, the current team split into two squads with the Purple defeating the White, 30-25, 30-26, 30-19.

"We are continuing to make strides," said Wildcat head coach Suzie Fritz. "I will really happy with the way Lauren (Goehring) and Lisa (Martin) played tonight. They both hit over 40 percent in the middle. We are still not where we want to be, but progress is being made each day and that's the most important thing. We still have a solid week of practice before we open with CSU."

Junior middle blocker Lauren Goehring led all players with 16 kills on .450 hitting, while freshman outside hitter Jamie Perkins and sophomore outside hitter Cari Jensen added 14 and 12 kills, respectively. On the defensive side, junior libero Laura Downey-Wallace paced both squads with 18 digs and senior setter Kristen Foote and junior defensive specialist Kris Jensen tapped in 10 digs apiece. Redshirt freshman outside hitter Katie Stanzel had a match-high four blocks.

The evening began with a match-up of selected alumni, including Jayne Christen (1998-2000), Kelli Luther (1995-96), Lisa Mimick (1998-2001), Julie Thomas (1997-2000) and Val Wieck (1995-98). Also in attendance were five members of the 1969-70 Wildcat squad - Susan Koehn-Buck, Susan Drews-Horton, Kathy Teahan-Jantch, Susan Haas and Julie Blasi-Watts. Although the program only achieved varsity status in 1974, the university has had a volleyball team dating back to early 1960s.

"This is great opportunity for our alumni to come back and participate in the program," said Wildcat head coach Suzie Fritz. "Each of them contributed to where Kansas State volleyball is today. I was really happy to see them come back and enjoy what the program has accomplished these last 28 years."

Kansas State officially starts the 2002 season on Friday, August 30 against 18th-ranked Colorado State at the University Park Holiday Inn Classic in Fort Collins, Colo. The Wildcats will then conclude the tournament on Saturday against Connecticut and Western Michigan. The first home match will be Tuesday, September 3, as K-State hosts state rival Wichita State at 7 p.m.