Dixie State's volleyball team is off to a terrific start after capping two wins Saturday at the Otter Classic in Seaside, Calif.

Throw in five straight victories to close out the 2008 campaign, and the Red Storm have tallied nine consecutive wins.

DSC began the day with a 3-1 (25-11, 20-25, 25-17, 25-21) triumph against Cal State Monterey Bay, then rallied to defeat Findlay 3-2 (25-23, 22-25, 21-25, 28-26, 15-5).

"Our girls have made major adjustments. We're a lot smarter than most of the teams we're playing," said Red Storm coach Gregg Jensen. "We're playing really well and we're pretty young."

Seven of the nine players in DSC's rotation are sophomores or freshmen, yet the Red Storm appear to be playing with the sagacity of grizzled upperclassmen.

Against Findlay, DSC dug themselves a hole, falling behind 2-1 and facing match point at 24-22. Yet the Red Storm made a major comeback to snatch Game 4, then waltzed past the Oilers in Game 5.

"I think the momentum we gained in Game 4 carried over into the next game," Jensen said. "We got up 4-0 right away, and if you get that kind of a lead right away, you're in good shape."

DSC freshman Brita Noble had a splendid day. The outside hitter recorded 18 kills with just one error against CSUMB, then had 15 kills, 15 digs and five aces against Findlay.

Setter Chelsi Dewitt (Mesa. AZ/Westwood) recorded 89 assists on the afternoon, 45 in the opener and 44 against Findlay. Katie Luna (Mesa. AZ/Westwood High '05), nursing a sore shoulder, recorded several big kills in the second match.