April 4, 2009

SAN FRANCISCO - The California volleyball team opened its 2009 spring season with a strong showing at the USF Tournament today. The Golden Bears claimed four two-set victories in the pool-play tournament hosted by the University of San Francisco at the War Memorial Gym.

Ten players took the court for Cal; outside hitters senior Hana Cutura and sophomore Tarah Murrey; middle hitters senior Mindi Wiley and sophomore Shannon Hawari; setters junior Carli Lloyd and sophomore Kristin Obermeyer; and defensive specialists senior Kristen Kathan, junior Meagan Schmitt and sophomores Ashley Roe and Paulina Inzerillo.

The Bears were joined by the Bay Area All-Stars, Santa Clara, Sonoma State, San Francisco, Pacific, Saint Mary's College and squads from Brigham Young and San Jose State.

Cal opened the day with a 2-0 win over the Bay Area All-Stars, 28-26 and 25-23. Next, the Bears dropped a 25-20, 25-20 win on host USF; then got their next win in a 25-16, 25-18 decision against Sonoma State. Cal finished off the day with a 25-23, 25-19 win over Saint Mary's College.

Lloyd played some front row and got a couple of kills on the day. Roe and Schmitt were used heavily in the rotation with Roe replacing Cutura in the back row on several occasions. Obermeyer set several sets for the Bears including the entire second set against Sonoma State.

The Bears will host their only spring event when Stanford comes to Haas Pavilion next Wednesday, April 8, for a 7 p.m. scrimmage. Admission is free to the public.