Aug. 31, 2001
TEMPE, Ariz. - Four Broncos posted double-digit kills to lead 22nd-ranked Santa Clara to a straight-set victory over Hofstra at the season-opening Phoenix Airport Hilton/Sun Devil Challenge, hosted by Arizona State at the Wells Fargo Arena.
The Broncos defeated the Pride 30-13, 30-26, 30-19. The score is a reflection of a new scoring format the NCAA adopted this season, changing from the 15-point side-out scoring to rally scoring. Seen only in Game 5 in the past, rally scoring is now used in all games of the match.
Santa Clara improves to 1-0, marking the program's second straight season-opening victory.
Freshman middle blocker Toni Muratore posted a team-high 14 kills in her first collegiate start, matching senior co-captain Jami Bari's 14-kill performance. Sophomore Becky Potter and junior Cindy Hirsch added 13 and 10 kills, respectively. Sophomore setter Kelli Sousa added 52 assists.
The Broncos were led defensively by senior co-captain Merrin Thompson's 13 digs. Sousa and Hirsch added 12 apiece while Bari minded the net with four blocks on the afternoon.
Hofstra, led by Stefanie Rewitz's 10 kills, was outhit .357 to .133 to fall to 0-1 on the year.
The Broncos continue play at the Challenge and will face host Arizona State tonight at 5 p.m. Santa Clara will conclude play at the tournament against 23rd-ranked South Carolina tomorrow at 1 p.m. followed by Nevada at 5 p.m. Click here for the complete tournament schedule.