Air Force Academy

Sept. 16, 2003

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The Air Force volleyball team will play in it's fourth consecutive tournament this weekend as they head to the West Coast to take part in the Portland State Invitational.

SITE: Portland State University
Stott Center (1,775)
Portland, Ore.

TOURNEY SCHEDULE: All times MST
Friday, Sept. 19
10 a.m. -- PSU vs. Eastern Illinois
12:30 p.m. -- Air Force vs. San Francisco
5 p.m. -- Eastern Illinois vs. USF
7:30 p.m. -- Portland State vs. Air Force

Saturday, Sept. 20
11 a.m. -- Air Force vs. Eastern Illinois
1:30 p.m. -- PSU vs. San Francisco

RECORDS:
The tournament marks the fourth consecutive weekend tournament for the Falcons and three of four on the road. This year's current records for participating teams are as follows:

Air Force -- 8-2
Portland State -- 7-1
San Francisco -- 12-0
Eastern Illinois -- 3-7

AIR FORCE vs. the FIELD:
The Falcons have faced Eastern Illinois one time in their history. They defeated the Panthers 3-0 in 1999. They are 2-0 against San Francisco, with the most recent win coming in five games last year at the Academy. They are 1-1 against Portland State, with a 3-0 loss to the Vikings earlier this year at the Army tournament.

SCOUTING the OPPONENTS:
San Francisco - The Dons are off to a great start, winning thier first 12 matches. The strength of the team is its defense, as six players are averaging over two digs per game. They are led by Brittanie Budinger, who is averaging 4.91 kills per game and 3.63 kills per game. April Scoggin, the setter, is averaging 12.54 assist per game.

Portland State - The Vikings have won seven of eight matches this season, with their only loss coming in five games to rival Portland. They are led by Richell Wilson, who is averaging 4.38 kills per game. Kathy Garbacz is chipping in 3.38 kpg to give the team a powerful attacking duo. Sarah Leenders is averaging 2.76 digs p/g to lead the team, while setter Stephanie Lavigne is adding 11.28 assists p/g.

Eastern Illinois - After winning their first two matches, the Panthers have dropped seven of their last eight. They are led by Erica Gerth, who is averaging 3.75 kills per game and 4.44 digs p/g. Jessica Ackerman, the team's setter, is averaging 9.25 assists p/g.

REMATCH:
One of the Falcons only two losses on the season came against Portland State at the Army Invitational. Richelle Wilson had 17 kills to pace the Vikings to a 3-0 win over the Falcons. The Falcons need to stop Wilson, who was the only Viking in double figures in kills. Delavane Diaz led the Falcons with 14 kills, while two other players had nine kills.

OPPOSING PLAYER TO WATCH:
San Francisco's Budinger notched 31 kills against the Falcons last season when the teams met. It was the most kills against the Falcons all season.