Nov. 15, 2008
(San Francisco, CA) - Saint Mary's earned a close 25-23 win in the first set, but San Francisco came back and took three consecutive sets 25-19, 25-16, 25-17 to earn the 3-1 West Coast Conference victory at War Memorial Gym on Saturday afternoon. Prior to the first serve against the Gaels (17-7, 7-4 WCC), the Dons (20-6, 10-2 WCC) honored five seniors and numerous Alumni in special ceremonies. USF remains in a first place tie with No.13 San Diego in Conference standings. The Dons have now swept both Bay Area conference foes this season, earning a 3-2 win at SMC on October 16, a 3-1 win at then No. 18 Santa Clara, and Thursday's 3-0 drubbing of the Broncos at home. In set one, the two teams battled back and forth, eventually earning a 23-23 tie before SMC pulled away with a quick two points to earn the 25-23 win. But the Dons would not be outdone on their home court and earned decisive victories in the final three sets. USF out hit the Gaels .352 to .161 in the match and had a 64-41 kills advantage. Junior opposite Sarah Mandala managed a career high 28 kills on .535 hitting. The tally is the highest for any Don this year. Senior middle blocker Alix Gombos also earned double figure kills with 11 on .474 hitting. Senior middle blocker Carly Babin added nine kills on .300 hitting and senior outside hitter Addie Webster had eight kills in the match. Junior outside hitter Anna Berger added seven kills. Senior setter Darcy Carroll had her second highest assist count this season with 53.
Shannon Lowell led the Gaels with 12 kills on .360 hitting, and Megan York added 11 stuffs. USF returns to action next weekend in Southern California, meeting Pepperdine on Thursday at 7:00 PM and Loyola Marymount on Saturday at 1:00 PM. |
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