The No. 18 UCSB women’s volleyball team improved its scintillating record to 9-0 after capturing its third consecutive tournament title to open the 2002 season. The Gauchos have captured the San Diego State University Ramada Invitational, the Fresno State Invitational and, most recently, the Duke Classic at Durham, N.C., on Sept. 13-14.

Santa Barbara will now enjoy opening its home schedule tonight in the Thunderdome with a match against Cal State Northridge at 7. On Saturday, UCSB will host the University of the Pacific at 7 p.m.

In the Duke Classic, the Gauchos swept No. 12 Wisconsin, the Blue Devils and American University. Not only did UCSB sweep every team in Durham, Santa Barbara has only dropped two games against SDSU and Fresno State en route to winning 27 games.

Senior outside hitter Danielle Bauer leads the team with 127 kills and junior outside hitter Erica Menzel has recorded 111. Senior setter Brooke Niles leads the team with 354 assists.

-Nexus Staff Report