Sept. 3, 2004
DURHAM, N.C. (www.TheSunDevils.com) -- Sophomore outside hitter Nicole Morton recorded career highs with 18 kills and 11 digs to lead the Arizona State Sun Devils to a 3-1 victory (30-12, 31-29, 33-35, 30-17) over Florida International to open the 2004 season Friday afternoon in the New Hampshire Volleyball Classic. The Sun Devils improved to 24-8 all-time in season openers and 2-0 under second-year head coach Brad Saindon. ASU will continue tournament play Saturday with matches against Toledo (10 a.m. EST) and host New Hampshire (7 p.m. EST). The Sun Devils started two sophomores, one junior, two seniors and two freshmen in the match. Additionally, all seven of ASU's freshman saw action on the court. Morton (Bonsall, Calif.) bettered her previous career highs in kills (7) and digs (10) in her fourth career start. She also led the team with three service aces for 21.0 total points. Sophomore middle blocker Tierra Burnley (Santa Clarita, Calif.) added a career high 13 kills while hitting .550 (13-3-20). Freshman opposite Kristin Trayser (Crystal Lake, Ill.) came off the bench to record 17 kills and added three block assists. Senior libero Stephanie Kohner (Anthem, Ariz.) led the defense with 17 digs. Freshman defensive specialists Sydney Donahue (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) and Alison Lund (Bowie, Md.) each added eight digs in the victory. Senior setter Giovana Melo (Ribeirao Preto, Brazil) earned the start over upstart freshman Rachel Mittelstaedt (Phoenix, Ariz.) and responded with a career highs in assists (54) and digs (16). Heather Huber led Florida International with 12 kills on a .308 hitting percentage. Carolina Cano tied for the match high with 17 digs. --Sun Devil Volleyball--