Events

    January 8, 1997

    Trojans Fall In Season Opener

    LOS ANGELES, CA -- Collin Smith and Chad Strickland both finished with 22 kills apiece to lead Cal State Northridge to a 17-16, 15-13, 13-15, 15-7 victory over USC today in the season opener for both teams at North Gym.

    Smith also finished with 12 digs, while Strickland added 10. Teammate Dan Fisher, meanwhile, finished with a game-high 68 assists.

    USC was led by Gabe Gardner's 27 kills and eight digs. The Trojans' Eric Seiffert also had a fine opener, finishing with 26 kills, five assists and five digs.

    David Berney led USC with 44 assists, while teammate Donald Suxho added 26.

    Northridge finished the match with 22 team blocks, compared to USC's nine.

    The Trojans return to action this weekend when they compete in the UC Santa Barbara Invitational.

    USC Athletics