Aug. 27, 2011

Box Score

FRESNO, Calif. - Behind a 13-kill performance from junior outside hitter Carrie Baird, the 20th-ranked University of San Diego women's volleyball team cruised to a 3-0 win over Fresno State in the final game of the Fresno State Classic Saturday evening in a non-conference match.

With the 25-23, 25-16, 25-16 win, the Toreros claimed the championship of the tournament and run their winning streak to three as USD improves to 3-0 on the young season. With the loss, the Bulldogs fall to 1-2 overall.

Baird led all players with her 13 kills on 28 swings, while only committing one attack error to post a .429 attack percentage. Chloe Ferrari recorded eight kills and had 13 digs, while C'era Oliveira led the team with 18 digs. Rachel Alvey recorded 35 assists in helping steer the USD offense to a .287 team attack percentage. Ferrari was named the tournament's MVP, while Baird and Katie Hoekman were also named to the All-Tournament team.

In the first set, the Bulldogs surprised the Toreros as they raced out to an 8-3 lead. San Diego continued to chip away at the lead, but Fresno State was holding on and did not surrender the lead until late in the frame. With FSU leading 17-13, a Baird kill ignited a 7-2 Torero run, which would give USD its first lead of the frame at 20-19. USD would then hold off a late push by the Bulldogs to grab the set 25-23.

In the second set, it was all Toreros, as USD put together an 11-2 run midway through the set to grab all the momentum and take a commanding 17-7 lead. The Toreros did not look back as they went on to claim the set with a 25-16 win.

In the third and final set, it was more of the same as San Diego raced out to a 7-1 lead and never looked back. USD hit .412 for the set, and held Fresno State to a .265 attack percentage. USD would complete the sweep with a 25-16 win.

The Toreros will return to action on Friday as they open play in the USD Invitational against Northeastern at 7:00 p.m. inside the friendly confines of the Jenny Craig Pavilion.