Sept. 7, 2002

Box Score

SAN DIEGO, Calif.-No. 23 North Carolina picked up its sixth win in as many matches this season, and is now is off to its best start since the 1981 Tar Heels started 9-0.

North Carolina knocked off the University of San Diego (5-1) at the Toreros' 2002 invitational, winning their second tournament in as many weekends. Key to the team's effort was a school record 28 block assists.

Senior Malaika Underwood, a San Diego native, was named tournament MVP as she picked up 15 kills and 17 digs in Saturday night's game. Also representing the Tar Heels on the All-Tournament team were seniors Eve Rackham, senior Laura Greene and junior Aletha Green.

North Carolina jumped out ahead early, taking the game one 30-21. San Diego was able to even up the score at one game each with a 37-35 win in game two. But in the end it was UNC, with the Heels winning game three 30-25 and game four 30-16.

Greene had a big game with 18 kills and 11 digs, while Rackham recorded 52 assists and 10 digs. Sophomores Molly Pyles and and Caroline deRoeck also had double-digit digs.

The Tar Heels have the week off before traveling to the University of Minnesota for a tournament next weekend.