The Gophers volleyball team opened its season with a loss Saturday, falling to Texas A&M in five sets at the Stanford Invite in Palo Alto, Calif.
The Gophers lost the fifth set 15-11 after Texas A&M evened the match by winning the fourth set 25-21. The Gophers won the second set 25-21 and the third set 25-18 after A&M won the opening set 26-24.
The tournament continues Sunday, when the Gophers will play host Stanford, No. 2 in the nation.
Sarah Wilhite led the team with 17 kills, and Daly Santana had a double-double with 16 kills and 18 digs. Paige Tapp hit a match-best .478. Dalianliz Rosado had a career-high four aces, and Molly Lohman had nine blocks. In her first collegiate start, Samantha Seliger-Swenson had 31 assists, while Katie Schau had 30. Texas A&M outhit the Gophers .220 to .217.
Saints adjust roster
The St. Paul Saints made a batch of player moves Saturday as they set up for the playoffs. The biggest move was adding 33-year-old switch hitter David Espinosa, who can play infield and outfield and was hitting .292 with four homers and 38 RBI in 89 games for Wichita this season. The Saints traded reliever Alex Sogard and a player to be determined for Espinosa.
The Saints also signed two free agents, infielder Ryan Cavan and pitcher Kevin Cravey, re-signed infielder Ronnie Bourquin and received the rights to infielder C.J. Retherford.
Etc.
The Gophers women's soccer team will face tournament host LSU in the Battle of the Bayou tournament Sunday in Baton Rouge, La.
The Gophers (3-0-1) defeated Stephen F. Austin 1-0 in the first game of the event Friday night.
