Sept. 4, 2004

HOUSTON - The University of Maryland volleyball team was defeated, 3-0 (30-23, 30-22, 30-24), by No. 10 California at the Houston Invitational Saturday afternoon. For the Terps, the loss takes them to 0-3 on the season, while California improved to 3-0 on the year. The Terps were led by junior middle blocker Stephanie Smith with nine kills and five blocks. Sarah Treadwell posted seven kills and a team-high 13 digs for Maryland, while Rachel Wagener contributed seven kills and three blocks. Freshman defensive specialist Katie Luhrsen, seeing her first action of the year at libero, had a solid outing with eight digs and two assists. After playing to eight consecutive ties to open the game, Cal was able to stretch out a three point lead, 17-14. After a Maria DiLivio and Rachel Wagener block, the Terps were within three points, but Maryland would get no closer and the Bears took game one, 30-23. DiLivio and Smith each had four first-game kills, while Wagener posted three kills and two blocks in the game. Cal went on to win game two (30-23) and three (30-24). The Bears were led by Gabrielle Abernathy with 12 kills and four blocks. Maryland is back in action next weekend at the University of Nebraska for the U.S. Bank/Arby's Classic in Lincoln. The Terps are set to take on Ball State, Florida A&M and the 2ne-ranked Cornhuskers.