SDSU Women, New Coach Earn First Victory

San Diego State’s women’s basketball team earned its first victory of the season and the first under new coach Beth Burns as it routed Northern Arizona, 66-53, in front of 207 Monday at Peterson Gym.

“The team really executed the game plan,” Burns said. “What made me the happiest was that every person that came in made a big contribution. They did their job. No one person tried to do all of it and no one person watched someone try to do all of it. I think that’s the difference in becoming a better basketball team.”

Indeed, the Aztecs’ five starters scored in double figures: Julie Evans 16, Lori Lollis 15, Crystal Lee 12, Dee Dee Davis 11 and Melanie Usher 10.

The Aztecs improved to 1-6 and NAU fell to 2-6.

Despite the inside presence of 6-foot-3 standout Eugenia Miller (28 points, six rebounds), the University of San Diego’s front court powered the Toreras past Cal State Fullerton, 81-71, at USD.

The victory lifed USD to 7-1, its best start ever. The Titans fell to 4-3. Forward Linda Jones, led the Toreras with 18 points and seven rebounds. Forward Christi English had 11 points and seven rebounds, center Chris Enger 14 points and six rebounds. Forward Molly Hunter added seven points and four steals. After leading 37-34 at the half, a 10-2 run gave USD its biggest lead, 67-55, with six minutes left. The difference, according to Coach Kathy Marpe, was the Toreras’ depth. USD used all 12 players and nine scored.

“That’s what I think won the game,” Marpe said. “We were able to put in fresh people throughout the game.”

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Christian Heritage its won fourth consecutive game with an 83-60 nonconference victory over visiting College of Idaho.

The Hawks trailed 6-0 in the first half, then went on a 15-0 run to take a 15-6. In the second half, Christian Heritage went on another run, 12-0, to make it 67-47 with 7:44 to play.

Mark Kraatz and Rundy Foster scored 17 each for the Hawks (7-3). Idaho is 6-6.

SOCCER

As expected, Erich Geyer was named assistant coach of the Sockers, the club he served as a player between 1981-85, the team announced Monday.

Geyer succeeds Keith Weller, who became coach of the Tacoma Stars on Dec. 5.

“My best years were spent with the San Diego Sockers,” Geyer said. “And this is an opportunity that I can’t pass up.”

Said Sockers Coach Ron Newman: “Erich is a personality that is most welcome back to the Sockers and the MISL. He knows my system and, after serving as the head coach of the Sting, understands the intricacies of the position.”