Nov. 13, 2004
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - San Diego State got double figures in kills from three players as it defeated Air Force, 3-1 (30-23, 32-30, 23-30, 30-28), Friday night in Colorado Springs. With the victory, SDSU improved to 4-22 overall and 4-9 in the Mountain West Conference as it put the brakes on a five-match losing streak.
The win also allowed the Aztecs to clinch sole possession of sixth place in the league standings and the number-six seed at next week's MWC Tournament. The loss for Air Force was its 15th straight as it saw its record fall to 4-19, (0-13 MWC).
Outside hitter Kara Moriarty paced the Aztec attack with 17 kills and 13 digs. It was the senior's first double double of the 2004 campaign. Junior Melissa Stapley finished the evening with 16 kills, five digs and a pair of blocks while hitting .375 for the match.
Middle blocker Ashley Bowker was the third SDSU player to record double figures in kills with 13. Her .579 attack percentage over the four games was the highest single-match mark for an Aztec this fall. Bowker also had four blocks as she maintained her team lead in that category.
In addition to Moriarty's 13 digs, SDSU got 10 digs from defensive specialist Kari Dykema, who also had a pair of service aces. Nina Metzger also contributed three aces while setter Kim Castillo had 50 assists along with six kills and six digs.
Air Force ended the night with four players reaching double figures in kills, led by Lemecca Jefferson who led all players with 21.
Although the home side finished the match with more kills, assists, aces and digs than SDSU, the Aztecs hit .252 as a team compared to .222 for Air Force. SDSU also controlled play at the net with 11 team blocks to just four for the Falcons.
San Diego State now travels to Albuquerque where it will take on New Mexico on Sunday (Nov. 14) at 1:00 p.m. (MST) in the final conference match of the year for both squads.