SAN DIEGO – The SF State volleyball team found itself on the wrong side of back-to-back sweeps on Saturday afternoon at Golden Gymnasium on the final day of the Seaside Invitational. The Gators fell to No. 10 Colorado Mesa in straight sets (15-25, 24-26, 17-25) before wrapping up the tournament falling to host Point Loma 3-0 (20-25, 23-25, 18-25).
"We made some solid improvements from yesterday and everyone was able to elevate their game today," said head coach
Jill Muhe. "It was great to play in this high level tournament. We stuck together as a team and we are excited to move forward and progress."
In both matches SF State (0-4) battled their way back and made it close, unfortunately, the Gators routinely found themselves behind early and could not overcome the deficits they found themselves in.
Against Colorado Mesa (1-2), the Gators dropped the opening set 15-25 and looked to go down quietly in the second before racing back to tie the set at 24 apiece after trailing 20-12. Unfortunately, out of a Mavericks timeout, Colorado Mesa scored two quick points to take the set 26-24. They would go on to earn the sweep winning the third and final set 25-17.
Helping the Gators turn the momentum in that second set against the Mavericks was freshman opposite
Chantelle Williams. Williams had a breakout performance making her first two collegiate starts for the Gators. In game one against the Mavericks she led SF State with eight kills on 13 swings for a .538 attack percentage. In the nightcap against the Sea Lions she finished the match with 10 kills on 22 swings for a .318 attack percentage.
Point Loma (3-0) was aided by their efficient attack, hitting .260 on the afternoon. In all three sets in the nightcap the Gators found themselves behind early, only to battle back to make the set close. Unfortunately in all three sets the deficit proved to be too much as the Sea Lions held on for the sweep.
Junior setter
Linda Aerne made her first two starts for the Gators and recorded 30 assists on the day. Middle blocker
Samantha Krakower was a force at the net recording seven blocks on the afternoon.
The Gators return to action on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 5:00 p.m. when SF State hosts Fresno Pacific for the 2015 home opener.
Complete Box Score vs Colorado Mesa
(HTML)Complete Box Score vs. Point Loma
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Gator Athletics has a proud tradition of competitive success within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The department offers 12 intercollegiate sports programs: Baseball, Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's and Women's Cross Country, Men's and Women's Soccer, Softball, Women's Track & Field, Women's Volleyball and Men's Wrestling.Gator Athletics places great emphasis on academic performance as well as athletic achievement. The program offers student athletes the opportunity to reach their educational goals, as well pursue meaningful athletic accomplishments. For more information, visit SF State Athletics' website, Twitter and Facebook pages.
