CARSON –
Cathryn Lopez made 17 digs to reach 1,093 in her career and break the Cal State Dominguez Hills volleyball program's all-time record and the Toros swept UC San Diego in three sets (25-18, 25-16, 25-21) to keep them in front of the final spot to the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Championship Friday night.
The win keeps the Toros (13-12, 9-7 CCAA) in a tie for fourth place in the CCAA South Division with Cal State LA, which was also victorious at home against Cal State San Marcos. With one match remaining, CSUDH can lock up the final spot with a win against the Cougars Saturday. They can also receive the berth with a Golden Eagle loss to the Tritons.
Lopez entered Friday night needing only 15 digs to break Veronica Diaz's (1998-01) 1,090 record. She also made three assists on the night.
Here is what Lopez had to say about the record and the win:
It was indeed a solid night on the attack for the Toros, who hit .258.
Tati Yandall made 13 kills to lead all Cardinal and Gold.
Jordan Ramirez and
Rylee Kiger combined for 33 of 36 total assists. Kiger also added 14 digs to complete her eighth double-double of the year.
The Toros had led for a good portion of the match. The Tritons only lead was early into the third set. It was short-lived as the Toros went on a 10-point run to take a 14-5 lead. With CSUDH leading 24-17, the Tritons got four points to cut within three but
Hailey Smith got the match-winning point with a kill.
Prior to the 7 p.m. start against the Cougars, the Toros will honor seniors Kiger, Smith,
Bridget Heins,
Claire Autry and
Morelia Castro on Senior Day. That is scheduled to start at 6:45 p.m.
