Box Scores:  SPU-UCSD     CSULA-SPU

SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. (Aug. 31) —Monica Herrera (Jr., Lima, Peru/Mercy Colley) racked up 19 kills in two matches as the Seattle Pacific University volleyball team lost its final two matches at the Coyote Classic hosted by Cal State San Bernardino. The Falcons are ranked No. 4 in the preseason Great Northwest Athletic Conference poll.

In the first contest of the day, the Falcons (0-4) struggled versus reigning Pacific Region champs UC San Diego, who returned five starters this season. The Tritons extended their unbeaten streak against the Falcons all-time to three matches with a convincing 30- 15, 30-13, 30-23 victory. UCSD hit for a .306 attack percentage while the Falcons registered a .028 mark, led by Herrera seven kills and two blocks.

In the Falcons fourth and final match of the tournament, SPU fell to a hot-hitting and much-improved Cal State L.A. team, 30-16, 30-20, 30-13. Once again, Herrera was a bright spot for the Falcons, blasting a match-high 12 kills for a .259 hitting percentage. Katie Higgins (Jr., Kirkland, Wa./Redmond HS) led the Falcons with 23 assists and paired with Carri Colvin (Sr., Vancouver, Wa./Prairie HS) to record 10 digs apiece. Kathleen Monda (So., Woodinville,Wa./Washington State) served up a pair of aces for SPU as well. CSLA registered a .323 hitting mark.

The Falcons travel to GNAC-rival Western Washington University next weekend, September 6-7, to play in a preseason tourney. Match play tips off on Saturday when the Falcons take on UC Davis at 10 a.m.

Match #1 -- UC San Diego def. SPU 30-15, 30-13, 30-23

Kills-SPU 25 (Herrera 7), UCSD 51

Digs-SPU 34 (Colvin 8), UCSD 48

Blocks-SPU 8 (Taylor 3), UCSD 9.5

Assists-SPU 24 (Higgins 24), UCSD 44

Match #2 -- Cal State L.A. def. SPU 30-16, 30-20, 30-13

Kills-SPU 24 (Herrera 12), CSLA 42

Digs-SPU 43 (Colvin/Higgins 10), CSLA 42

Blocks-SPU 2 (Taylor 1), CSLA 3

Assists-SPU 24 (Higgins 23), CSLA 38