SAN DIEGO – Roxie Wiblin recorded a career-high 20 kills but it was not enough as No. 24 San Diego fell to Saint Mary's, 3-2, in its WCC opener Thursday night at the Jenny Craig Pavilion.
 
After a slow start gave the Gaels (9-2, 1-0 WCC) a 1-0 lead, the Toreros (3-7, 0-1 WCC) seemed to take control of the match with wins in the second and third sets. However, Saint Mary's forced a fifth set and edged USD, 16-14, to secure the upset decision.
 
Wiblin led the Toreros with 20 kills and added 12 digs and two blocks. Megan Jacobsen continued her strong play this season and was second among Toreros with 13 kills, followed by Lauren Fuller (12) and Addie Picha (10). Jacobsen hit .417 on the night.
 
Picha showcased her versatility throughout the match, contributing five blocks, three digs and three assists to go along with her 10 kills. She led USD with a .444 hit percentage on the night.
 
The Toreros had trouble slowing down the Gaels' attack of Lindsey Calvin, Sienna Young and Lindsey Knudsen, who combined for 46 of Saint Mary's 61 kills. USD also contributed to its own undoing, committing 30 errors as a team.
 
Kelli Barry paced the Toreros with 17 digs and registered five assists. Anna Newsome delivered a team-high 33 assists and 12 blocks, while Laura Madill contributed 25 assists and 12 digs.
 
USD will look to rebound Saturday at noon when it plays host to Pacific.