NOLAN LUMBY / CONTRIBUTOR

 In a one-hour and nineteen-minute showcase on Thursday night, the USD women’s volleyball team defeated San Francisco in straight sets at the Jenny Craig Pavilion, with scores of 25-18, 25-12 and 25-18. This victory extends their winning streak to ten matches.

From the opening serve, USD (17-4, 10-0) appeared focused.  By  the  time the Toreros discovered their rhythm, midway through the first set, the outcome felt unavoidable. 

USD  junior Nemo Beach once again  took  the lead, accumulating 14 kills with an impressive hitting percentage of 0.344. 

USD graduate student Kali Engeman and USD junior BayLea Sparks dominated at the net, with Engeman  recording  six total blocks and Sparks contributing three solo blocks. As  a   result, USD  out-blocked the  Dons  11 to 3.  The  USD sophomore  setter, Kylie Munday, provided steady guidance for the offense, finishing with 28 assists and falling just one dig short of a double-double.

In the second set, San Diego really made its mark. After exchanging points early on, the Toreros went on a dominant 22-5 run, overwhelming San Francisco with a series of kills from Beach, Engeman, USD first-year Ava Durgan and Munday. The Dons struggled to respond to the offensive attack, and by the third set, Toreros were  in control of the match. Beach added six more kills, sophomore Isabel Clark contributed five, and Engeman added  four  to  secure  the  victory. The Toreros never trailed again.

San Diego is currently enjoying a remarkable ten-game winning streak, showcasing the potential that many anticipated and demonstrating an even greater level of competitiveness. 

At   this  juncture,  the  focus  is on whether the Toreros will maintain their winning momentum.

Women’s volleyball dominated USF at Jenny Craig Pavilion. Photo courtesy of @usdvolleyball/Instagram