CHICO — Humboldt State finally found its offensive rhythm during the third game Saturday, but it was too little, too late to prevent HSU from falling to No. 20 ranked Chico State in a California Collegiate Athletic Association volleyball match Saturday.

Humboldt State, led by Mallory Briney's 10 kills, fell to 8-11 overall and 4-7 in the CCAA. The Lumberjacks got 12 digs from Kelly Catherina, 31 assists from Liz Shannon, and four blocks from Danielle Wells.

Chico State, also No. 5 in the Pacific Region, earned the i30-25, 30-20, 31-29 victory and improved to 15-6 overall and 8-3 in the CCAA. Outside hitters Lindsay Macias and Gillian Heydorff combined for 29 kills, while middle blockers Whitney Johnson and Crystal Trifeletti each hit over .350 and combined for 17 kills.

"If we had started the match well and played like we did in the third game, it could have gone either way," HSU interim head coach James Kealalio said. "But our passing was shaky, and we didn't really start passing well until the third game. Throughout the year, if our passing isn't there, we can't get into our offense."

Humboldt State's defense was present, as usual, out-blocking the host Wildcats' 6-3.  Wells had a solo and three assists, while Meghan Berndt put down two solo blocks.

The WIldcats' service presented problems for the Lumberjacks, who were on the receiving side of 13 aces. Heydorff put down four, and Briney had three service aces for the Lumberjacks.

"Chico is a strong serving team," Kealalio said. "But it still comes down to intensity, and if we can find it from the beginning we will always be much more successful."

Humboldt State is back on the road next week, taking on Cal State San Bernardino on Friday and Cal Poly Pomona on Saturday.