Dec. 6, 1997

Stanford Advances to NCAA Mountain Region Semifinal Cardinal Defeats Oklahoma, 3-0

STANFORD, Calif. - The third-ranked Stanford women's volleyball team defeated Oklahoma, 15-2, 15-6, 15-7 on Saturday in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. A crowd on 1,725 was on hand at Maples Pavilion on the campus of Stanford University. With the victory, the Cardinal improved to 29-2 overall while advancing to the Mountain Region Semifinals. Stanford moves one step closer to a third national title in four years and fourth overall.

"It was much easier this time around," Stanford head coach Don Shaw said of the Cardinal's second meeting with Oklahoma this season. Stanford also defeated Oklahoma, 15-12, 15-10, 15-6 on September 18 at Maples Pavilion. "We served much more effectively. That was the key tonight. We forced them into trying some things early that they weren't ready to do."

Stanford sophomore Kerri Walsh (Saratoga, Calif./Archbishop Mitty) led the offensive attack for the Cardinal, recording a game-high 15 kills. Senior captain Lisa Sharpley (Los Altos, Calif./Los Altos) added 38 assists.

Patrice Arrington led Oklahoma with 12 kills on the evening while setter Meredith Van Horn tallied 23 assists. The Sooners complete the 1997 season with a 20-13 record.

"I have to give Stanford a lot of credit," said Oklahoma head coach Miles Pabst. "They have exceptional players. They handled us pretty well tonight."

Stanford, which has won 24-straight matches dating back to September 10, will host the Mountain Region Semifinals and finals next weekend at Maples Pavilion. The Regional will feature Stanford, Texas and two teams to be determined.

Stanford University Women's Volleyball