OUTLOOK First round: Lost to Notre Dame, 87-61
While San Diego -- a team that was blown out 84-39 by Oklahoma on Dec. 21 -- will no doubt need an upset to notch its first-ever victory in the Big Dance, the Toreros proved they're capable. Pepperdine ruled the West Coast Conference regular season, but San Diego came from behind to upset the top-seeded Waves 68-51 and earn its first trip to the NCAA Tournament since 1993, when the Toreros suffered a 23-point loss to Nebraska. San Diego also skirted past third-seeded Santa Clara in the WCC semifinals. Players to watch are 6-foot senior forwards Jessica Gray, who had 15 points -- 11 in the second half -- and 12 rebounds in the WCC final, and Maria Perez-Barris, who can hit the big shots when needed.
PROBABLE STARTERS |
F - Susie Erpelding (5-9, Sr., 16.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg)
F - Maria Perez-Barris (6-0, Sr., 6.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg)
C - Jessica Gray (6-0, Sr., 14.5 ppg, 9.6 rpg)
G - Kerri Nakamoto (5-7, Fr., 4.7 ppg, 3.0 rpg)
G - Melissa Glazebrook (5-6, So., 4.7 ppg, 3.9 apg)
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NOTABLE |
NCAA Tournament titles: None
Final Four appearances: None
Best finish: First round
NCAA Tournament appearances: 2
NCAA Tournament Record: 0-1
Last NCAA appearance: 1993, lost to Nebraska, 81-58, first round
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RANKINGS
Final Ratings Percentage Index ranking: No. 105.
NO. PLAYER POS HT YRS
3 Kerri Nakamoto G 5-7 FR
5 Melissa Glazebrook G 5-6 SO
14 Andrea Burns G 6-1 SR
20 Susie Erpelding F 5-9 SR
21 Marie Plocher G 5-9 FR
22 Janeene Arendsen G 5-6 SO
23 Maria Perez-Barris F 6-0 SR
24 Robyn Fortney F 5-9 SO
30 Jamie Lucia F 6-3 JR
33 Jennifer Tuiolosega G 5-9 SO
34 Jessica Gray F 6-0 SR
42 Erin Malich C 6-2 FR
44 Jen Wedo G 5-9 FR
45 Erin Epperson F 6-1 FR
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