Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (August 25, 2006) - After dropping the a five game heartbreaker to University of the Incarnate Word in the inaugural match of the new state-of-the art University center, the Sharks fell short to #3 nationally ranked Truman State in their second game of the Sharks Classic in three games. The Sharks open the season 0-2 while Incarnate Word and Truman State stand at 1-1 after one day of action.

The Sharks came out of the dressing room fired up and dominated the first game against Incarnate Word, winning 30-23. Sophomore outside hitter Melinda Gorman of Sarasota, Fla. recorded eight kills in the opening game to pace the Sharks while senior setter Megan Johansen of Arlington, Neb. dished out 16 assists.

Incarnate Word responded by winning games two and three by the scores of 30-28 and 30-24. The Cardinals recorded only six errors on offense each game.

NSU came back to win game four by a six point margin at 30-24. The Sharks showed their teeth on defense, holding Incarnate Word to only six kills and a -.070 hitting percentage. Sophomore right side hitter Andrea Irarrazabal of Pembroke Pines, Fla. led the squad in game four with six kills.

The Sharks jumped out to an early 4-0 advantage in game five before Incarnate Word came back to record the 15-13 victory in the deciding game. The Cardinals were led by Kari Chapman who was a perfect four for four in hitting attempts in the final game.

For the match the Sharks were paced by Gorman and Irarrazabal who recorded 21 kills and 18 kills, respectively. Johansen dished out 60 assists in the match while senior libero Itza Miranda of Toa Baja, Puerto Rico hustled for 25 digs. Sophomore outside hitter Christina Chubb of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. contributed with 12 kills and 20 digs for the Sharks.

No. 3 Nationally ranked Truman State proved too much to handle for the Sharks in the second match of the day for NSU in a 3-0 decision.

The Bulldogs came out firing in game one and continued to stay hot throughout the match, finishing with a .324 attack percentage. Chubb was the bright spot for the Sharks, posting a .357 attack percentage to go along with her 14 kills. Sophomore middle blocker Emily Carle of Missouri City, Texas was second on the team with five kills in the game. Johansen contributed with 23 assists.

In other action at the Sharks Classic, Central Oklahoma defeated Fort Hays State in three games, Minnesota State defeated Incarnate Words in three games, #4 Corcordia St.-Paul defeated #3 Truman State in three games, #16 Florida Gulf Coast defeated Central Oklahoma in three games, #4 Concordia St.-Paul defeated Barry in three games, and Minnesota State defeated Fort Hays State in three games.

The Sharks Classic continues tomorrow as the Shark face off against undefeated Minnesota State at noon and Central Oklahoma at 4 p.m. Tickets for the Sharks Classic and all 2006 home volleyball matches are available at the University Center Box Office or online through Ticketmaster.