ARCATA, Calif. – Just one night after a disappointing defeat to Sonoma State, the San Francisco State women's volleyball team took out its frustrations in a big way Saturday, rolling to a three-set victory (25-22, 25-10, 25-16) on the road over Humboldt State. With the sweep, the Gators snapped a two-match skid, improving to 8-6 on the season and 2-4 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. Meanwhile, the Lumberjacks saw their four-match winning streak halted, falling to 6-7 overall and 4-2 in conference play.
“The way each of our players prepared mentally for the match tonight was great,” said SFSU head coach Michelle Patton. “The determination we had through all three games, battling for each point until the end was something we hadn't done this season yet. I am extremely proud of our total team effort.”
SF State never trailed in the opening set, racing to a sizeable 9-1 advantage before HSU gradually whittled away at the lead. After the Lumberjacks pulled to within 23-22, the Gators sewed things up on consecutive kills by freshman Brittany Powell (Chula Vista, California, Otay Ranch HS)and junior Beth Perkins (Woodland, California, Mt. Hood Community College). Perkins hit a blistering .500 during the frame with eight kills and just one error on 14 attempts, while fellow classmate Sloane Williams (Henderson, Nevada, Lake Land College (Ill.))added two block assists.
SF State enjoyed similar success in the second set, rolling to a quick 15-6 lead. However, the Gators were never threatened this time around as the Jacks tallied just four points the rest of the way. SFSU snuffed out the HSU attack, limiting the hosts to just three kills for a paltry -.042 hitting percentage.
The Gators also had their foot on the gas early in third set, but had to withstand another charge by the Jacks after building a 14-7 cushion. With HSU in its rear view mirror and the lead down to 17-15, SF State called timeout and then proceeded on an 8-1 run to clinch the match. The Jacks committed 11 errors during the set compared to just four Gator miscues.
Individually, Perkins led the way with a match-high 17 kills and totaled just two errors on the night for a stellar .366 hitting percentage. Freshman setter Mary Maiocco (Bakersfield, California, Bakersfield HS) also led the SFSU cause with 30 assists. Fellow classmate Christina Johnson (Wildomar, California, Elsinore HS) contributed 14 digs, while Williams finished with five block assists.
The Gators will step out of conference for their next match when they travel to Belmont, Calif., to tangle with Notre Dame de Namur on Tuesday, Sept. 30. First serve is slated for 7 p.m.
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