University of Washington
San Francisco
Huskies Open Season With Convincing Win Over San Francisco
August 24, 2007 | Volleyball
Aug. 24, 2007
Box Score
Husky Classic Info Site
SEATTLE - The Washington Husky volleyball team opened its 2007 season in resounding fashion on Friday night, downing visiting San Francisco 3-0 behind a match-high 14 kills from senior All-American Christal Morrison. The Huskies, who are ranked No. 8 nationally in the CSTV/AVCA Preseason Coaches Poll, won by scores of 30-21, 30-20, 30-20. The match was the second of the night at the Husky Classic, with Cal State Northridge defeating Fresno State 3-2 in what was also the season opener for both schools.
A trio of freshman contributed a number of big plays in their first match as Huskies. Outside hitter Becky Perry had nine kills despite playing in only two games, while fellow freshman outside hitter Kindra Carlson added six kills. Jenna Hagglund, who graduated early from high school last season and practiced with the team last spring, had a match-high 41 assists from her setter position.
Junior All-American Jessica Swarbrick added nine kills for Washington, while All-American Alesha Deesing had six kills. Sophomore libero Tamari Miyashiro had a team-high 11 digs to go along with her three service aces.
Huskies head coach Jim McLaughlin said he saw some very good things from his players during the win, but that the team still has some adjustments to make.
"For an opening match against a good team that plays real good defense, I thought it was a good match for us," he said. "We made improvement, but we have more that we'll address."
Washington outhit the Dons .321 to .123, and also had 49 kills to the Dons 33. Both teams had 40 digs.
Brynn Maurer and Sarah Mandala had seven kills apiece to pace San Francisco. Darcy Carroll had 20 assists, and Haley Carroll led the Dons with 15 digs.
The Husky Classic continues tomorrow with another four matches. Washington and Fresno State open day two at 11 a.m., followed by Cal State Northridge and San Francisco at 1 p.m. Other matches include San Francisco against Fresno State at 5 p.m., while Washington hosts CSUN in the final match of the tournament at 7 p.m.
