DAVID HARDEN

UA senior setter Dana Burkholder attempts a lob against Oregon last night in McKale Center. The Wildcats' streak of 17-straight games was snapped, but UA eventually won the match 3-1.

Friday September 21, 2001

Torregrosa battles in victory

Last night, the Arizona women's volleyball team faced something it hasn't seen all season - a real challenge.

And although the Wildcats managed to defeat Oregon 3-1, their 17-game winning streak was snapped when the Ducks rallied for a third-game win.

"It was kind of a tale of two matches," Arizona head coach David Rubio said. "For us, I personally welcome struggles. (Oregon) did a good job taking us out of our game. It was a good win for us and a good opportunity for us to go through a roller-coaster type of match."

Going into its match last night versus Oregon (8-2 overall, 0-1 Pacific 10 Conference), the Wildcats were riding a 15-game winning streak.

They extended that streak to 17 with a 30-19 victory in each of the first two games.

However, Oregon came back to defeat UA in the third game 33-31.

"It was good for us to lose that game because it was a reality check for us," junior outside hitter Shannon Torregrosa said. "At certain points, we can all play bad and still win. We realize that we can't be off versus teams like UCLA and USC."

Arizona (6-0 overall, 1-0 Pac-10) was in control with a 29-26 lead in the third game - just one point away from victory - but Torregrosa could not put the match away as she committed one of her 13 unforced errors on UA's first match point.

On the next match point, senior setter Dana Burkholder set the ball for Torregrosa, but the junior was unsuccessful again.

Oregon overcame five match points in game three and prevailed, 33-31.

DAVID HARDEN

UA senior setter Dana Burkholder and freshman middle blocker Jolene Killough attempt a block during the Wildcats' game against Oregon last night in McKale Center.

"I played bad tonight," Torregrosa said. "It was nice, though, that the team did not lose confidence in me. Dana kept setting me and that made me feel good."

Rubio said he was pleased with the way Torregrosa continued to attack the ball even though she finished with a .098 hitting percentage, her season low.

"Shannon is going through the process of becoming a full-time player," Rubio said. "She is dealing with the frustrations and struggles that all players endure. The nice thing I saw tonight was she hung in there and she remained true to the task. I never saw her give up. If we are going to become the team we envision, Shannon will have carry us at times."

Arizona managed to finish off the Ducks off with a 30-18 fourth-game victory to take the match, 3-1.

The Wildcats were led by Burkholder, their All-American setter, who finished with a match-high 47 assists.

Senior middle blocker Erin Sebbas added a career-high 10 kills and a match-high .643 hitting percentage in the victory.

Sebbas split time with junior middle blocker Stefani Saragosa, who leads the nation with .569 hitting percentage.

"Erin was awesome for us tonight," Burkholder said. "She was an offensive weapon and that is good for us when other players struggle. It was important that she stepped up when we needed her."

The key to Arizona's win was defense - they were able to hold the Ducks to .115 hitting percentage.

The Wildcats finished with a .241 hitting percentage and logged 12 service aces, 10 more then the Ducks.

Arizona will take the court again tonight versus Oregon State at 7 p.m. in McKale Center.