Sept. 17, 2004
FRESNO, Calif. - Despite a career-high 25 kills from junior Melissa Stapley, San Diego State (0-8) saw its season-opening losing streak extend to eight matches as it fell to San Francisco, 3-1 (22-30, 33-31, 27-30, 24-30) at the Fresno State Invitational Friday afternoon. The win was the first in the last six matches fro the dons, who improved to 4-7.
It was the third straight match in double figures in kills for Stapley, who also contributed nine digs for the third consecutive outing. Two other Aztecs finished in double figures in kills: Angela Verdenacci (15) and Audra Dent (11). It marked a career best for Verdenacci who also had six digs and three blocks.
SDSU's blocking continued to be one of its strong points as it recorded 15 over the three games compared to 11 for USF. Junior Ashley Bowker led the Aztecs at the net with a career-best nine, including eight block assists. Both her total blocks and block assists for the match represented season bests for the Aztecs. Bowker was joined at the net by Audra Dent with six blocks on the afternoon.
Defensively, freshman libero Aime Cordeiro continued to be one of the bright spots for San Diego State as she recorded a personal best 19 digs to raise her season average to 2,81 dpg.
San Francisco hit .235 as a team compared to San Diego State's .187 attack percentage. It was the seventh time since the season opener that SDSU hit below the .200 mark. The Dons' Theresa Hart led all players with 25 kills and a .308 hitting percentage.
San Diego State continues play at the Fresno State Invitational Friday evening when it meets the host Bulldogs at 7:30 p.m.