FAIRBANKS, Alaska — (Sept. 1) A reversal of roles doomed Humboldt State in its final match of the Auto Service Nanook Volleyball Classic Saturday as the Lumberjacks couldn't follow up an early afternoon win with another, falling 30-24, 12-30, 27-30, 29-31 to University of Alaska Fairbanks.

The Lumberjacks close out the non-conference portion of their season with an even 4-4 record, while they finished tournament play with a 1-2 mark.

Humboldt jumped all over the Nanooks in the first game, breaking open a 2-2 tie by scoring the ensuing eight points. The Jacks would never trail as they tallied 15 kills, along with just five errors (.303 percentage) and went up 1-0.

Things went downhill from there, however, as Alaska powered it's way to an 18-point win in the second game, hitting .593 with 18 kills and just two errors.

Passing and serve-receive proved to be the most troubling aspects for the Jacks who finished with 12 receive errors.

“We couldn't pass the ball to save our lives and we can't get our offense going if we can't pass,” said interim HSU head coach James Kealalio.

With all the momentum in the Nanooks' hands, Humboldt attempted a comeback in the fourth game, but ultimately fell 31-29.

“In the fourth game we made some lineup changes that helped us get back in (the game),” said Kealalio. “Despite the loss it was the first time that putting new people on the court has helped us. It shows that the team is coming together and getting more comfortable with each other.”

Katie Norkunas led the Lumberjacks with 14 kills and was named to the all-tournament team for her efforts all weekend. Megahn Berndt had an outstanding match, tallying 12 kills on 15 attempts with no errors.   

Alaska had four players reach double-digit kills, paced by Jessica Hill with 17.

California Collegiate Athletic Association play gets under way next week with Humboldt State hosting Chico State and Cal State Stanislaus on Friday and Saturday, respectively, in the East Gym.

Humboldt State vs UAF (Sep 01, 2007 at Fairbanks, AK)

UAF def. Humboldt State 24-30,30-12,30-27,31-29

Humboldt State (4-4) (Kills-aces-blocks) - NORKUNAS, Katie 14-1-1; BERNDT, Megahn 12-1-0; BRINEY, Mallory 8-2-1; SOLOMON, Olivia 6-1-0; GANTT, Poerava 5-0-0; SHANNON, Liz 4-4-1; WELLS, Danielle 3-0-3; ADAMS, Lynsey 1-0-1; Totals 53-9-4.0. (Assists) - SHANNON, Liz 44. (Dig leaders) - CATHERINA, Kelly 20; GANTT, Poerava 11; NORKUNAS, Katie 8

UAF (6-2) (Kills-aces-blocks) - Hill,Jessica 17-3-1; Bolster,Korlyn 12-0-3; King,Jessica 11-2-2; Thigpen,Megan 11-1-1; Gage,Erica 7-0-3; Sherman,Alexa 2-1-2; Jones,Jenna 0-2-0; Trudeau,Miranda 0-3-0; Totals 60-12-6.0. (Assists) - Sherman,Alexa 47. (Dig leaders) - King,Jessica 10; Thigpen,Megan 10; Sherman,Alexa 9; Trudeau,Miranda 8

Site: Fairbanks, AK (Patty Center)
Date: Sep 01, 2007   Attend: 169   Time: 1:50
Referees: Ruth Olsen, Jason Moore, Kassi McDonald

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