Aug. 29, 2003
Carson, CA -
The Chaminade University women's volleyball team opened the 2003-04 season with a road win tonight over Cal State-Dominguez Hills. The Swords dropped the first game but found their groove and won the final three games to take the season-opener for each team, 26-30, 30-19, 30-26, 30-20.
The Swords began game two strong, taking a 5-2 advantage. The Toros battled back to an 8-8 tie, but Chaminade went on a 16-4 run to take a 24-12 lead, and momentum of game two.
Game three see-sawed back and forth from the first serve. After Chaminade took an early 4-1 advantage, no more than three points would separate in the two teams until the game's closing moments. Big plays by CSUDH kept the Swords on their heels and gave the Toros a 19-18 lead, but Chaminade came back late, outscoring CSUDH 12-7 to give them a 30-26 game three win and a 2-1 game advantage in the match.
Chaminade's serving was the story in the fourth game. The Swords jumped out to a 7-0 lead and never looked back. The Toros attempted a comeback but Chaminade's serving proved to be the difference. CU strung together three separate instances of four-or-more straight points, sealing the Toros' fate in their season opener.
The Swords were led by Kahala Kabalis' game-high 24 kills and Valasi Sepulona's 15 kill contribution. Michelle Norman tallied 32 assists in an outstanding debut performance. Chaminade travels to the Cal Poly Pomona tournament tomorrow to take on Findlay University at 2 PM.
