Nov. 15, 2002

Box Score

Moraga, CA - The Saint Mary's women's volleyball team defeated the University of Portland in five games. Individual game scores were 30-21, 30-25, 27-30, 28-30, and 15-6. With the win the Gaels improved to 7-17 overall and 4-7 in West Coast Conference play. Portland fell to 14-13 overall and 3-9 in the WCC.

The Gaels took the first two games by nine and five points, respectively. After the break, Portland battled back to win the next two games, by a total of five points. In game five, Saint Mary's took possession of an 11-4 lead after it forced the Pilots to surrender eight points on errors. Portland scored two more points before falling to Saint Mary's, 15-6.

Leading the Way for the Gaels was senior setter Brooke Lowry. Lowry posted a double-double, chalking-up a match high 50 assists and 12 digs. Jill Parmele also posted a double-double, tallying 14 kills and 10 digs. Rachel Avilla led the Gaels' offensive attack with 16 kills. Lindsey Bogason chipped in with 14 kills and eight digs, while Kaui Salzman tallied 19 digs. Erin Gravert posted a match-high eight blocks in the Gaels' win. Saint Mary's tallied a .198 hitting percentage and 14.0 total team blocks.

Portland's Lauren Karpstein recorded 16 kills and 14 digs. Sara Vercruyssen added 10 kills for a .242 hitting percentage, while Carlie Price and Ali Boaz combined for 30 digs. Sheena Surplus dished out 43 assists and tallied 15 digs on the night. As a team, Portland posted a .128 hitting percentage and added 8.0 total team blocks.

"My hat is off to Saint Mary's," said Portland's Head Coach Doug Sparks. "I told my team early this week that they (the Gaels) wouldn't quit and they didn't."

The Gaels play their final road match of the season tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. against Gonzaga.