HONLULU – The San Francisco State women's volleyball team wrapped up their time in the Aloha State with a thrilling five-set win over Montana State-Billings.  The Gators smashed 51 kills in the win, with an impressive eight service aces winning 3-2 (26-24, 15-25, 17-25, 25-22, 15-11).  Earlier that day, the Gators fell to host Chaminade 3-1.

Against the Yellowjackets (1-3) the Gators (1-3) threw down 51 kills in the five set win, hitting .188 as a team.  Attack errors continued to be an issue for the Gators as they hit into 21 in the match.  However, the Gators were deadly from the service line, recording eight on the evening, four from junior Christine Johnson. 

SF State's balanced attack featured six players with four or more kills. Christine Johnson led the way with 13 kills hitting .257.  Redshirt freshman middle blocker Abby Griffith had a breakout performance, recording 12 kills on 19 swings for an astounding .579 attack percentage, she also added four block assists.

Senior setter Linda Aerne ran the attack with 35 assists, while freshman Emily Johns tallied a season-high with 19 digs.

In the opening set the Gators held on to win 26-24.  The Yellowjackets bounced back taking the middle sets, winning 15-25 and 17-25.  The Gators rallied to take the final two sets 25-22 and 15-11 to lock down their first win of the Matt Hoffmann era.

Earlier that day the Gators took on tournament host Chaminade in a four-game match that went the host teams way.

As a team, SF State hit a season-high .284 attack percentage against the Swords, with six players recording four or more kills.  Aerne directed the Gators attack, tallying 20 assists.

Johnson led SF State in kills, tallying 10 kills, while hitting a very efficient .333. Sophomore middle blocker Lauren Williams had a solid night on the attack, she recorded seven kills on 12 swings.  Danielle Ryan finished the afternoon with nine kills and 10 digs.

After falling the Swords 12-25, 23-25, SF State won their first set of the season, coming from behind to win 25-22.  In the fourth set Chaminade sealed the deal with a 25-18 win to take the match.

The Gators will return to action Thursday when they make their 2016 home debut and host the D2 West Region Volleyball Showcase.  The Gators will host Concordia (Ore.), Cal State L.A., Simon Fraser, Chaminade and Fresno Pacific over three days.

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About San Francisco State Athletics
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.