SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Returning to the road for the first of two matches this week away from the Hilltop, the University of San Francisco volleyball team (7-9, 0-5) battled hard all night but ultimately came up short on the road against No. 4 San Diego (14-1, 5-0), 3-0, at Jenny Craig Pavilion.

The Dons battled hard against a top ranked team, and raced out to an early lead midway through the second set putting up a strong fight against a tough opponent. 

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

• The Toreros wasted little time in taking advantage of their home court on Wednesday night as they raced out to an early advantage in the set as they went on to secure the 25-12 win in the first set of play.
• USF was able to get back into the match early in the second set as they took a 12-7 advantage following a kill from Orsula Staka that was assisted by Aylen Ayub. San Diego was able to rally late to take the set by a 25-23 score. 
• USD was able to take control throughout the third and final set, as they took home the three set victory by a 25-8 final score.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES:

• On the offensive side of the ball, USF's quartet of Anna Petrova, Staka, Shyia Richardson and Claire Crijns each recorded four kills in Thursday's match in San Diego.
• Defensively, Sara Denham made many key plays as she led USF with 10 total digs against the Toreros.
• Up front, Staka and Lauren Perri each led the way for the Dons in limiting USD's attacks with each recording two blocks. 

UP NEXT:
The Dons will continue their road trip on Saturday afternoon as they head to Provo to take on the #14 BYU Cougars (11-3, 4-0) at 12:00 p.m. PT from Smith Fieldhouse. Live streaming and live statistics are available via the team's schedule page. 
 
FOLLOW US:
For more information and updates on the University of San Francisco volleyball program, be sure to follow the Dons on Twitter @USFDonsVB, @USFDonsVB on Instagram and @USFDonsVball on Facebook.
 
SPONSOR THE DONS:
The University of San Francisco Athletics Department would like to acknowledge and thank our primary sponsor - Provident Credit Union - for their continued support of USF Athletics. Interested in sponsoring the Dons? Please contact Frank Allocco, the Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director of External Relations, at fallocco@usfca.edu or at (415) 422-4561.