Sept. 1, 2000

BOULDER, Colo. - Santa Clara's volleyball team defeated Louisiana State in four games this evening at the Colorado PowerBar Invitational, hosted at the University of Colorado's Coors Event Center.

Second-year head coach Jon Wallace led his team to a 8-15, 15-3, 15-4, 15-4 victory to open the 2000 season. It was the program's first season opening victory since 1996.

For the match, the Broncos outhit, outdug and outblocked the Tigers to earn the victory. Offensively, Santa Clara notched 69 kills to 47 for LSU and hit for a higher percentage, .244 to .161. On the defensive side of the ball, the Tigers were outdug 67 to 46 and outblocked nine to six.

Senior right side hitter Annika Dell paced the Broncos with an all-around performance of 15 kills, 11 digs and six blocks (two solo) to record the double-double. Joining her with a double-double with 10 kills and 10 digs was junior outside hitter Jami Bari. Senior outside hitter Ynez Carrasco posted a match-high 19 kills on the evening while junior defensive specialist Merrin Thompson recorded a match-high 18 digs for Santa Clara.

The Tigers were led by Meagan Davis' 12 kills, followed by Rachel Bolt with 11.

The Broncos will play in the championship match of the Invitational at 8 p.m. MST on Sun., Sept. 3. Santa Clara will face the winner of the Colorado/Central Florida match that followed tonight's victory.