SDSU Wins Volleyball Tournament

The San Diego State women’s volleyball team, a perennial national contender, won its own tournament for the first time Saturday night.

The No. 10 Aztecs (12-2), led by tournament MVP Renee Pankopf, beat Arizona State (9-1), 15-6, 15-10, 13-15, 15-7, in the finals of the ninth annual Michelob Light Aztec Classic at Peterson Gym.

“We finally won it, I’m so glad,” said Rudy Suwara, SDSU coach. “I’ve wanted to win this since we started it nine years ago. I’m especially glad this young team won it. It should give them more confidence.”

Joining Pankopf on the all-tournament squad were teammates Liane Sato and Sally Larsen. Three Arizona State players--Tammy Motyka, Regina Stahl and Tammy Webb--were also picked for the team, as was Sherry Brinkman of third-place Texas A&M.;

Larsen, an outside hitter, led the Aztecs in the finals with 23 kills.

SDSU advanced to the finals with a 15-6, 15-8, 15-12 win over Houston in the semifinals Saturday morning.