Sept. 5, 2003

Box Score

Five-time National Champion Stanford swept the University of San Diego volleyball team Friday night in Palo Alto, California. In first round action of The Stanford Classic the host Cardinal defeated San Diego by game scores of (30-25, 30-25, 35-33). USD now takes on No. 7 UC Santa Barbara Saturday. The Toreros record moved to 3-1 record after Friday night's setback to a Stanford team that holds a No. 4 ranking by the AVCA.

Stanford (4-0), who is playing host to this weekend's festivities, finished the 2002 season 27-4 and participated in the Final Four for the 14th time in school history. The Toreros did challenge the Cardinal, taking game three to the limits before Stanford emerged with a 35-33 win. USD junior Devon Forster killed a match-best 15 for the Toreros. Freshman Cassie Wolpern added 10 kills and eight digs.

San Diego's match-up with UC Santa Barbara Saturday marks the first time the two teams have met since San Diego upset the Gauchos in a thrilling five-game NCAA Tournament match in 2001. The Gauchos own a 10-2 all-time record against USD but the Toreros have won the last two.

Looking ahead, San Diego opens its home schedule on September 12th during the 2003 USD Tournament with a 7pm match vs. Fresno State. Dates with Maryland Eastern Shore and No. 15 Long Beach State also await USD next weekend, all coming after a mid-week match at UC Irvine Tuesday, September 9th at 7pm.