Toros Swept by NAIA's Elite in Season Opener at Asics/Crowne Plaza Tournament

IRVINE/COSTA MESA -- Dispelling any doubt that the 2010 Cal State Dominguez Hills volleyball team will finish in the bottom of the conference, the Toros put up a torrid fight against both the No. 1 and No. 14 teams in the NAIA, battling through three sets against a respective Fresno Pacific and Point Loma Nazarane. Denise DeVine led the offensive thrust with a combined 21 kills in her Toro debut.

Despite the losses the Toros hung tough, dropping the first match of sets to NAIA no. 14 Point Loma Nazarene by margins of 23-25, 21-25 and 17-25 with a total of six leads throughout the day, their best coming in game one with the advantage three times.

In match two against NAIA No. 1 Fresno Pacific University the Toros once again came out strong in one, holding a lead of 8-2 before the Sunbirds fought back to grab the 3-0 win with scores of 25-22, 25-17 and 25-13.

Putting up a strong case for a force in the CCAA, redshirt-freshman DeVine landed 21 kills in her debut, and in 51 attempts hit on a .275 clip, highlighted by .424 attacking in the day's opener.

Another newcomer, Abbey Prusa was key from the service line with five aces on the day in addition to her eight kills.

Regaining her role as primary setter, Cassidy Mangum threw up 44 assists, while newcomer Shelbi Vopnford handled defensive duties with 15 digs.

Despite not grabbing a single block in game one, the Toros nearly outplayed their opponents in game two, grabbing six team blocks to the Sun Birds seven, highlighted by Prusa's five block assists.

The Toros (0-2 overall) continue action in the Labor Day Tournament hosted by both Concordia University and Vanguard University as they take on Vanguard University, NAIA No. 9 Azusa Pacific and Colorado Christian at a respective 9:00am, 3:00pm and 7:00pm tomorrow.

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