HOUSTON, Texas - The sixth-ranked Stanford women's volleyball team swept Delaware, 25-15, 25-22, 25-21, Saturday, in the season opener at the Rice Invitational in Houston, Texas. The Cardinal moves to 1-0 on the year, while the Blue Hens fall to 1-1.
Sophomore outside hitter Rachel Williams set a career high with 13 kills, while finishing with eight digs. Sophomore middle blocker Carly Wopat also registered new career highs with nine blocks and eight digs. Junior setter Karissa Cook controlled the offense with 32 assists and nine digs. Junior libero Hannah Benjamin finished with a team-high 11 digs.
The Cardinal came out a little tight, but quickly shook off the nerves. Stanford, which trailed 6-5 early, used a 12-0 run to take control of the first. The Blue Hens made a run of their own, but it wasn't enough as the Cardinal won the opening set, 25-15. Williams led the team with four kills, while Carly Wopat and Hayley Spelman each tallied three. Cook had 10 assists and seven digs in first.
The second set was much closer throughout, but the Cardinal pevailed with a 25-22 win. Neither team took more than a two-point advantage until the final score. Williams again led the squad with four kills and three digs, while Wopat posted two kills, three digs and four blocks for the Cardinal. Stanford out hit Delaware .216 to .135 in the set.
The Cardinal completed the sweep with a 25-21 victory in the third. Williams and Wopat each had five kills in the set. Benjamin led the defense with five digs, while Cook totaled 11 assists. Stanford took advantage of eight Delaware errors, while holding the Blue Hens to a -.062 attack percentage.
True freshman Kyle Gilbert and redshirt freshman Lydia Bai both made their Cardinal debuts, Saturday. Gilbert recorded eight digs and two assists, while Bai finished with four kills and three blocks.
Stanford closes out the weekend against Rice University. First serve is scheduled for 11 a.m. PT from Tudor Fieldhouse. Fans can catch the action online via GameTracker or on KZSU 90.1 FM.