Nov. 8, 2008

Box Score

(San Diego) - In a showdown for first place in the West Coast Conference, the No. 25 USF volleyball team fell to the hands No. 14 San Diego 21-25, 22-25, 21-25 at the Jenny Craig Pavilion in San Diego, Calif. The loss knocks the Dons (18-6 overall, 8-2 WCC) into second place in the conference standings, while the Toreros (19-3 overall, 9-1 WCC) take over sole possession atop the standings.

San Francisco couldn't break through San Diego's defense as the Toreros held the Dons to a .187 hitting percentage, the lowest mark for the Dons since a loss to Indiana on August 30th. USF were held under .200 in the opening two sets before hitting at a .286 clip in the third and final set. San Diego hit .299 on the afternoon, while San Francisco held USD to a .200 average in the second set.

Senior setter Darcy Carroll led the Dons on the afternoon with a double-double thanks to 15 assists and 10 digs. Carroll also added a kill and two blocks. Carroll was one of three Dons to posted double-digit digs. Senior outside hitter Addie Webster earned 10, while junior libero Haley Carroll posted a team-high 14.

Senior middle blocker Carly Babin hit at a team-high .350 mark with seven kills, an assist, three digs and a match-high three blocks. Sophomore opposite hitter Sarah Mandala and Webster each posted a team-high nine kills.

Junior middle blocker Anna Berger recorded three kills, seven digs and led the Dons with a pair of service aces. Sophomore setter Alaina Sully dished out 10 assists for the Dons, while adding an ace and six digs.

The Toreros were paced by Amy DeGroot and Ali Troost with 17 kills apiece. DeGroot also added 13 digs, three assists, two aces and a block.

The Dons will return to the court and War Memorial Gym this week when they host nationally-ranked Santa Clara and Saint Mary's. The match with the Broncos is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday, while the Dons will face off with the Gaels Saturday at 2 p.m. San Francisco enters the homestand looking to continue their strong play on the Hilltop, where they have posted a 12-1 record this season.