Oct. 10, 2004
Box Score
(San Diego, CA) - In front of a large crowd at USD's Jenny Craig Pavilion San Diego defeated 12th-ranked Santa Clara in four games. San Diego (10-4, 3-0 WCC) remains unbeaten in West Coast Conference play, breaking Santa Clara's (11-3, 2-1 WCC) eight-match winning streak. Senior Devon Forster led the Toreros with 17 kills while junior setter Lindsey Sherburne distributed 58 assists. USD libero Jackie Bernardin served a career-high six aces and had a match-high 17 digs. Saturday's game scores went (32-34, 30-23, 30-19, 30-17).
Both squads traded points during a closely contested opening game. On a rotation error the Broncos reached its first game point at 29-28. On the ensuing play USD's Kristen Carlson hammered home one of her 11 kills on the night to even the score at 29 apiece. Two points later Forster allowed USD its first game point at 31-30. Santa Clara rallied behind two USD hitting errors to eventually win a very entertaining initial game 34-32.
San Diego built an early 8-5 lead in the second frame behind strong serving from Sherburne. The Toreros used the momentum to reel off a 9-3 run to assume an insurmountable 18-11 advantage. Sophomore middle blocker's Christie Dawson and Emily Haas supplied USD with a solid presence at the net, with Haas putting down the final kill during a 30-23 San Diego game-two win.
After an eight minute intermission San Diego raced out to a 7-3 lead on three early kills from Carlson. Senior Kristen Hurst would record three of her 14 kills on the night during the lopsided third game. USD never trailed and held Santa Clara to a .091 attacking percentage in the 30-19 decision.
As a team San Diego hit .342 on the night, firing on all cylinders in game four to put away the visiting Broncos 30-17. In game four Bernardin served three aces and Haas would again slam down the final point, setting off an extended celebration for a Torero team that has now won four straight.
West Coast Conference play continues for San Diego next weekend as they travel to the Bay Area to face No. 19 St. Mary's Friday and San Francisco Saturday.
