Nov. 17, 2005

East Carolina continues to make 2005 a milestone year as the Pirates swept Southern Miss in the second match of the C-USA Championship en route to collecting their first ever tournament win in the league. Playing in the Pirates' third C-USA tournament in 11 years, ECU fought hard to earn a 30-21, 32-30, 30-27 win over the Golden Eagles.

The Pirates improve their record to 20-10 overall and 10-6 in league action for their first 20-plus win season since 1982.

"This was a big win for the program," said first-year head coach Chris Rushing. "I have been in similar situations at other programs, so I know how important today's victory meant to not only the players, but their parents and our administration as well."

Fighting hard for the Golden Eagles was Stevi Cherry, who recorded a double-double with 18 kills and 10 digs to go along with a .484 hitting percentage.

Pam Ferris led three Pirates with double-digit kills as the All-Conference first teamer tallied 17 to go along 16 digs and an impressive .448 hitting percentage. Kelly Wernert had 16 kills, while Erica Wilson rounded out the double-digit kill performers with her 11 on the match.

"Pam has been our leader this season," Rushing enforced. "She is one that you can count on being consistent. Although, Wernert is young, I think people can expect great things from her in the future."

East Carolina will advance to its first quarterfinal showing taking on fourth-seeded UTEP at 3 p.m. (CT) Friday at Rice's Autry Court.

A complete schedule of the 2005 Conference USA Volleyball Championship follows:

2005 C-USA VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE

Thursday, November 17, 2005:
Match 1 - (9) UCF def. (8) Memphis, 3-1 (22-30, 30-24, 30-24, 30-24)
Match 2 - (5) East Carolina def. (12) Southern Miss, 3-0 (30-21, 32-30, 30-27)
Match 3 - (11) Tulane vs. (6) Rice, 6 p.m.
Match 4 - (10) UAB vs. (7) SMU, 8 p.m.

Friday, November 18, 2005:
Match 5 - (1) Marshall vs. Winner of UCF/Memphis, 1 p.m.
Match 6 - (4) UTEP vs. Winner of Southern Miss/East Carolina, 3 p.m.
Match 7 - (3) Tulsa vs. Winner of Tulane/Rice, 6 p.m.
Match 8 - (2) Houston vs. Winner of UAB/SMU, 8 p.m.

Saturday, November 19, 2005 (Semifinals):
Match 9 - Winner of Match 5 vs. Winner of Match 6, 5 p.m.
Match 10 - Winner of Match 7 vs. Winner of Match 8, 7 p.m.

Sunday, November 20, 2005 (Championship):
Match 11 - Championship Match (CSTV), 4 p.m.

All Times Central.
All matches will be played at Autry Court, Houston, Texas.