Oct. 5, 2008

(San Francisco) - San Francisco athletics enjoyed a tremendous week of success across the board, beginning September 29, with strong performances by four programs. Men's golf opened the weekend with a major tournament victory at the Saint Mary's Invitational, men's soccer went on the road and posted a 2-0-0 record to start West Coast Conference play, volleyball opened its league season at 2-0 and women's soccer posted a shutout in its lone contest of the week.

MEN'S GOLF: USF men's golf posted its first tournament championship of the season with a triumph at the 2008 Saint Mary's Tournament at the Poppy Hills Golf Course. Behind medalist Domingo Jojola, the Dons seized a five stroke win against runner-up Wisconsin at 855 (293, 279, 283). It is the third career tournament medalist honors for Jojola, who fired a final round 70 for a one stroke victory against UC Irvine's Bryan Harris, finishing at 207 (71, 66, 70). The redshirt junior shattered his career 54-hole tournament low of 212 which was good for his last tournament victory at the 2007 UC Irvine Anteater Invitational.

Junior Chris Cunningham posted his second top-five finish of the young season, placing third with a two-under 211 (75, 68, 68). Competing in his first event in the Green & Gold, senior transfer Kyle Prolo shot a one-over 72 in the final round. Freshman Ji Hwan Park led the field in par-3 scoring at 3-under (2.80) and along with Prolo, carded an eagle during the event. Jojolo shared the lead in birdies (14), while Cunningham shared third place (13). Prolo also ranked second among tournament leaders in par-5 scoring (4.50).

San Francisco competes in the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Gridiron Classic beginning Monday, October 6 in South Bend.

MEN'S SOCCER: USF opened West Coast Conference play on the road with back-to-back 1-0 shutout victories at Gonzaga (10/3) and Portland (10/5). It is the first time the Dons have opened league play at 2-0 since 2002 and it is the first time USF has swept the Pacific Northwest trip since 2005. Junior forward Conor Chinn scored both game-winners for the Dons and senior goalkeeper Jeremy Coupe posted back-to-back shutouts.

USF's defense continued to shine and after blanking consecutive league foes, the Dons have allowed opponents to score just six goals this season - the fewest allowed in the WCC. San Francisco owns a sparkling 0.75 team GAA.

San Francisco hosts Bay Area rival Saint Mary's Friday, October 10 in the 2008 WCC home opener. Match time against the Gaels is set for 7:00 PM at Negoesco Stadium.

VOLLEYBALL: San Francisco opened up the 2008 West Coast Conference campaign with a 2-0 record, marking the first time since 1999 the Dons have started league play with back-to-back victories. USF swept Portland (10/2) in the conference opener for both teams and then took a 3-1 win against Gonzaga (10/4) at War Memorial Gym. With the win against the Bulldogs, San Francisco improved to a sparkling 9-1 at home this season.

USF's senior middle blockers enjoyed big weekends. Carly Babin averaged a team-high 3.43 kills on .462 hitting with 1.14 blocks per game, while Alix Gombos added 3.14 kills on a team-high .583 attacking to go along with a team-high 1.71 blocks. San Francisco hit .269 for the weekend as senior setter Darcy Carroll did a strong job running the offense, dishing out 9.86 assists with 2.71 digs per game.

San Francisco closes out its five-match homestand Saturday, October 11 when it hosts defending league champion No. 16 San Diego. First serve against the Toreros is set for 1:00 PM at War Memorial Gym.

WOMEN'S SOCCER: Freshman forward Kelly Moore rifled her team-leading fourth goal of the season and senior forward Alexis Mielke added an insurance strike as USF blanked Cal State Bakersfield 2-0 Sunday at Negoesco Stadium. The Dons even their record at 5-5-2 on the season and improve to 3-2-1 at home this season.

San Francisco closes out the non-conference portion of its schedule when it welcomes Division II power Seattle U. to the Hilltop Friday, October 10. Match time is set for 5:00 PM and is the first game of Dons soccer doubleheader at Negoesco Stadium.