USC Advances to Regional Final

Lincoln ? Bibiana Candelas had 14 kills to lead top-ranked Southern California to a 30-26, 30-25, 30-27 victory over No.17 Texas A&M Friday evening in the first NCAA Lincoln Regional semifinal.

Candales, a 6-5 sophomore middle blocker from Torreon, Mexico, finished the match with a .393 hitting percentage and four blocks, as the Women of Troy improved to 32-0. With the win, USC also tied the NCAA record for consecutive victories with 44, equaling the mark set by Penn State during the 1989 and 1990 seasons.

The Women of Troy, who are seeking their second straight national crown and have not lost since Nov. 2, 2002, will look to break the NCAA record in Saturday regional final against the winner of the second match between Nebraska and UCLA, set for 7 p.m. CST.

Keao Burdine also had 12 kills for USC. Texas A&M held the Women of Troy to a .236 percentage, but USC capitalized on 21 Aggie errors in the three-game sweep. Texas A&M, also swept by USC in the season’s previous meeting Sept. 13 in College Station, Texas, was led by Laura Jones, who tied for match-high honors with 14 kills. Beth Skypala added 10 kills as the Aggies saw their season end with a 23-9 record.

In game one, the Women of Troy received a strong performance from Candelas, who had seven kills on just 10 swings, leading USC to a .378 hitting percentage. A&M was within 14-12 before Candelas sparked a 6-1 Trojan run to build a 20-14 advantage. USC led 28-22 before the Aggies came roaring back behind Jones, who had a pair of kills and an ace in a 4-2 run to get within 29-26. A service error gave USC a 30-26 win.

The two teams battled through much of game two in a stalemate with five ties. Neither team took command until a 5-0 USC run gave it an 18-14 lead. The Aggies came back on the play of Kendra Felder, a 6-1 middle blocker who led A&M on a 4-0 spurt to tie the game at 24. Burdine, who had five kills in game two, gave USC the lead for good at 25-24 as the Trojans closed game two on a 6-1 run, capitalizing on three Aggie miscues.

In game three, the score was tied nine times before USC forged ahead late. With the score knotted at 20, Candelas recorded consecutive kills and a block assist with April Ross to give USC a 23-20 lead. The Aggies closed to with 24-23 on a kill by Felder, but they could not regain the lead. Burdine finished the match with her 13th kill.

Texas A&M Head Coach Laurie Corbelli
Opening Statement
Well obviously, we are a little disappointed to be eliminated. We have had a lot of ups and downs this season. The trek through the Big 12 was very difficult. But to get this far in the tournament was a pleasure for us. We felt like our trek through the Big 12 put us in the position that we were in. We know now that we have to take care of our business a little bit better during the season, so that we do not meet a team this strong so early. Even though the teams competing in the Sweet Sixteen are all high level teams, and this one is full of some great players. I thought we played with a lot of spirit and a lot of heart. I couldn’t be prouder of how hard we played.

Texas A&M Junior Lexy Beers
On not being in a 6-2 offense:
We been doing that a little more if we think we are giving up a little bit at the net, but we gain with some speed and consistency with our offense. I think Lexy’s (Beers) experience is a factor that helps us as she is a great leader. I think sometimes there is a question mark of who is going to lead.

Texas A&M Junior Kendra Felder
On giving up points:
We do know that not everyone can be perfect. On the points we didn’t get, they were well-earned points. We fought really hard and we had great passing and great setting.

USC Head Coach Mick Haley
Opening Statement
I thought that it was a heck of a volleyball match. A&M played a great match. We had a great battle and A&M’s intensity was good. We stayed with that and played with it and when we got down we didn’t get too far down. I’m pretty pleased with the outcome.

USC Junior Keao Burdine
On the team’s confidence
I think that we know as long as we go out and execute well, we’ll be successful. We always try our best and execute the last steps to finish the game.

USC Sophomore Bibiana Candelas
On facing Nebraska or UCLA on Saturday
We don’t know too much about Nebraska, but we know a lot about UCLA. From here on out, it’s tough games. We just have to focus and play hard.

On the possibility of facing Nebraska
We’re prepared to play. We have to be focused and just play. We can’t be nervous just because of the crowd.