ARCATA – Brooke Ferguson and Bailey Kotas led Humboldt State's digging effort in the "Dig For a Cure" match Friday night as the Jacks took down Cal State Monterey Bay in five sets (25-22, 18-25, 25-20, 22-25, 15-9). The 3-2 victory completes the sweep for the season against the Otters, as HSU improves to 7-12 overall, 4-11 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. CSUMB drops to 7-10 overall, 4-10 in conference action with the loss.

"It was a very hard fought match by both teams tonight," said head coach Sue Woodstra. "We were fortunate to come out on top. We made some really nice plays in the fifth set to take the match."

Oceana Matsubu and Alexa Rosendale combined for 33 kills, making up more than half of the Jacks' kill total (54). Kotas also helped the Humboldt State offense grab the win with three service aces and 44 assists. Allison Drobish dominated the blocking game for the Jacks, getting nine total blocks, three of which were solo.

The first set came close to slipping out of the Jacks' fingers as they found themselves trailing 22-20. Five unanswered points—including two kills from Matsubu, two Otter errors and another kill by Ashley Neale—gave Humboldt State the first set.

CSUMB fought back and stole a 25-18 set from the Jacks. The Otters' defense was led by a trio of players, Monique Sena, Rachel Freeno and Rheann Fall, combining for 68 total digs. Melanie Lashbrook and Feeno registered 20 and 17 kills, respectively, for Cal State Monterey Bay.

The Jacks rebounded and won the third set, never letting the Otters have the lead the entire set. Cal State Monterey Bay was not going to go down without a fight, however, and once again tied the match at 2-2 after claiming the fourth set, sending the match into a match-deciding fifth set.

Humboldt State pushed into overdrive to walk away with the win, downing the Otters 15-9 in the last set. The Jacks will look to find a back-to-back win Saturday night as they host Cal State East Bay. First serve is set for 7 p.m. in Lumberjack Arena.