Toreros Open FISU America Games With Comeback Win Over Brazil

LIMA, Peru — San Diego volleyball opened play on the 2026 FISU America Games on Sunday morning with a 3-1 win over Brazil, dropping the primary set 25-23 earlier than taking the following three 25-18, 25-22 and 25-19 in its first match representing Team USA in Lima.

Kierstyn Barton led all gamers on the ground with 14 kills, placing them down on 29 swings with simply two errors for a .414 clip. The senior outdoors hitter added 13 digs for a double-double, plus 4 blocks and an ace.

The turnaround got here on the internet. San Diego hit .133 within the opening set, with eight assault errors on 30 swings, then answered with its greatest body of the morning within the second — 14 kills on 23 makes an attempt in opposition to three errors for a .478 mark. The Toreros closed at .262 for the match whereas holding Brazil to .173 on 110 swings.

Blocking tilted the identical route. San Diego completed with 11 group blocks, and Meghan Scholz was in on six of them. The senior center blocker was environment friendly on the opposite aspect of the web as properly, changing 5 kills on eight swings and including two aces. BayLea Sparks was in on 4 blocks and led the middles with 9 kills on 14 makes an attempt, hitting .357.

Two freshmen have been proper in the midst of it. Emma Brewer posted a double-double in her personal proper with 9 kills and 12 digs, passing at .833 on 18 reception makes an attempt and chipping in two blocks and an ace. Ryann Knuth wanted solely three units to place up 9 kills at .333, and she or he was flawless in serve obtain, dealing with all 13 makes an attempt that got here her method with out an error whereas including six digs and a block.

Kylie Munday ran the offense with 38 assists and was the group’s best server, touchdown three of San Diego’s 10 aces whereas including seven digs. Libero Lauren Lynch anchored the again row with 12 digs and took a team-high 23 makes an attempt in serve obtain. As a bunch the Toreros handed at .833 and out-dug Brazil 57-33.

Nemo Beach contributed two kills and an ace, and Reese Bates added an ace throughout 10 service makes an attempt.

UP NEXT

San Diego returns to the courtroom Tuesday, July 28 in opposition to Team Peru at 3 p.m. PT, then closes pool play Wednesday, July 29 in opposition to Team Colombia at 1 p.m. PT.