Aug. 26, 2005
NORTHRIDGE, Calif. (www.TheSunDevils.com) -- The Arizona State Sun Devil volleyball team dropped its season opener in straight sets to nationally ranked Saint Mary's Friday morning in the opening match of the Fremont Investment & Loan Invitational at Cal State Northridge. The Sun Devils fell to the No. 23 Gaels 22-30, 27-30 and 28-30.
Junior outside hitter Nicole Morton (Fallbrook, Calif.) led the Sun Devils with her eighth career double-double, registering 12 kills on a .188 hitting percentage and 10 digs. Morton also had one service ace and one block assist for a team-high 13.5 points.
Junior middle blocker Tierra Burnley (Santa Clarita, Calif.) had 10 kills on a .474 hitting percentage and added a team-high four blocks. Sophomore libero Sydney Donahue (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) led all players with 19 digs and senior setter Giovana Melo (Ribeirao Preto, Brazil) led ASU with 30 assists. Freshman outside hitter Margie Giordano (Glendale, Ariz.) made her debut in the Maroon and Gold and contributed seven kills and one service ace.\
Saint Mary's, who finished the 2004 season ranked 13th in the CSTV/AVCA national rankings, had three players reach double-figures in kills. Kaui Salzman led the balanced attack with 14 kills and 12 digs, while Missie Stidham had 11 kills and Cassandra Kolkka had 12. Setter Mandy Bible led all players with 43 assists.
The Sun Devils return to action later this evening against tournament host Cal State Northridge. They will complete tournament play Saturday evening (5 p.m.) against UNLV.
--Sun Devil Volleyball--