SAN FRANCISCO –  For the third straight match, the San Francisco State women's volleyball team found itself engaged in a five-set marathon after seeing an advantage in sets evaporate.  This time it was visiting Humboldt State which dealt the Gators a disappointing defeat, as the Lumberjacks rallied for a 3-2 triumph on Friday night at the Main Gymnasium.

With the victory, HSU improved to 8-14 overall and 6-9 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association.  Meanwhile, SF State dropped its fifth decision in a row, falling to 11-13 on the season and 4-11 in conference action.

The Gators never trailed in the early going, capturing the first two sets, 25-18 and 25-21. The Lumberjacks avoided the sweep after turning the tables on their hosts in the third frame by a 25-22 margin.  HSU then knotted the score in the fourth set, 26-24, withstanding a late Gator comeback after leading 22-16.

With momentum on their side, the Lumberjacks opened up an 11-3 advantage in the fifth and deciding set and never looked back.

SF State had three players with double-digit kills, led by junior Sloane Williams (Henderson, Nevada, Coronado HS, Lake Land College (Ill.)) who posted a season-high 14 kills with no errors for a stellar .560 hitting percentage.  Also aiding the Gator cause were freshman Kyle Lamet (Benicia, California, Carondelet HS) and junior Beth Perkins (Woodland Calif.), who had 10 kills apiece.  In addition, freshman Mary Maiocco (Bakersfield, California, Bakersfield HS) contributed 32 assists, while fellow classmate Christina Johnson (Wildomar, California, Elsinore HS) provided the defensive support with 28 digs.

SF State will have to regroup quickly as Sonoma State pays a visit to the Main Gymnasium for a CCAA match on Saturday, Nov. 1.  First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.