Sept. 13, 2003

Box Score

San Diego, CA- The University of San Diego defeated five-time National Champions and 19th ranked Long Beach State Saturday night in straight games to win the 2003 USD Invitational Tournament. San Diego has now won four straight and improved its overall mark to 7-2. Tournament MVP Devon Forster helped San Diego win by individual game scores of (35-33, 30-28, 30-24). Three Toreros reached double figures in kills, including freshman Christie Dawson who joined Forster and sophomore Lindsey Sherburne on the all-tournament team.

The Toreros and 49ers played a very close game one, with USD coming up with a 35-33 victory. The opening frame seemed to set the tone with the entire San Diego team contributing to its biggest win of the season. Senior Bridget Merritt killed 10 and sophomore transfer Jackie Bernardin registered twelve digs.

Long Beach State (5-2), who had beaten San Diego in all three of the school's previous meetings, received a team-high 13 kills from senior Liz Hudson. Setter Jillian Mazzarella handed out 41 assists and was honored as an all-tournament pick. Junior teammate Erika Chidester had nine digs and defensive specialist Heather Laudato added 13.

USD returns to action later this week with a Tuesday night match scheduled at San Diego State for 7pm. The Toreros will then travel across the country to play in a tournament hosted by American University in Washington D.C.

2003 USD Invitational All-Tournament Team

MVP- Devon Forster Jr. OH- San Diego

Jillian Mazzarella Jr. OH - Long Beach State

Erika Chidester Jr. OH - Long Beach State

Kristen Fenton Jr. OH - Fresno State

Jana Milin So. OH - Maryland Eastern Shore

Lindsey Sherburne So. S - San Diego

Christie Dawson Fr. MH - San Diego