Oct. 23, 2008

Final Stats

(San Francisco) - Sophomore opposite hitter Sarah Mandala recorded 15 kills on .591 hitting Thursday as the USF Volleyball team remained perfect in West Coast Conference play with a 25-19, 25-18, 25-18 sweep of Loyola Marymount at War Memorial Gym. The victory over the Lions (12-7 overall, 2-3 WCC) marks the first time in program history that USF (16-4 overall, 6-0 WCC) has opened league play with a 6-0 record.

The win also marked the Dons ninth straight victory, including their sixth straight win on the Hilltop. San Francisco is now 11-1 when playing at War Memorial Gym this season.

"I am very proud of my team," said head coach Gilad Doron. "I think that we are enjoying this ride but at the same time working on making things better. Right now we aren't afraid of anything and are ready to play against anybody on any given day. I like our chances any day when we come to work, play smart and play together."

San Francisco hit at a .345 clip on the evening. The Dons opened the match hitting .316 in the opening set before hitting .341 in set two and .387 in the final set. USF held Loyola Marymount to a .175 clip, including a .091 average in set three.

"Today I thought we did a good job defensively with our blocking," added Doron. "Sarah is getting her strides back, between the win over Santa Clara and today. Carly, Alix and Anna are continuing to get stronger, while Addie has always been solid.

"I think the girls are working hard and giving it their best when they are on the court and we are trying to work our way," commented Doron. "We are excited to have Pepperdine here Saturday and continue our fight for first place. The girls are excited and hopefully we can continue down this road."

Mandala recorded her match-high 15 kills while also posting three assists, three digs and three blocks for USF. Senior middle blocker Alix Gombos also added double-digit kills for San Francisco, with 12 kills in 19 swings to hit at a .579 clip.

Senior Addie Webster fell just short of a double-double, as the outside hitter posted nine kills with 10 digs. Senior middle blocker Carly Babin and junior outside hitter Anna Berger each chipped in eight kills and four digs apiece. Babin also added a match-high four blocks, including two solo stuffs.

USF setters enjoyed a strong night as senior Darcy Carroll dished out 34 assists for San Francisco, while also posting four digs and sophomore setter Alaina Sully added 13 assists. Junior libero Haley Carroll recorded a match-high 19 digs.

Ariana Covington recorded a team-high 11 kills for the Lions, while Becky Stehling hit at a match-high .600 clip with 10 kills. Renee Horton posted 19 assists, a kill and a pair of blocks for Loyola Marymount.

The Dons return to action Saturday as they close out the first half of WCC play when they host No. 15 Pepperdine. First serve is scheduled at 1 p.m. at War Memorial Gym. Following the match, USF will host the 24th annual George O'Brien "Green & Gold" Scrimmage, featuring both the men's and women's basketball teams.