ARCATA — When you're playing the best, you have to play your best, but even that doesn't guarantee positive results. Humboldt State stepped up its game Thursday, but it wasn't enough to take down No. 3 nationally ranked CSU San Bernardino in a California Collegiate Athletic Association volleyball match.

Boxscore

The Jacks led only twice all night, moving ahead by a single digit each time in the second set. The Coyotes answered any potential challenge on the way to sweeping a 25-14, 25-17, 25-15 victory.

"(CSUSB) is physical, they put up a good block, and they defend well around it," HSU head coach Sue Woodstra said. "When they're steady with their ball-handling, it's very difficult to force them into errors."

Humboldt State's record now stands at 4-6 overall and 2-6 in the CCAA. CSU San Bernardino remained unbeaten with a 12-0 overall record and a 7-0 conference ledger.

Offensively, Oceana Matsubu helped the Jacks stay competitive, putting away eight blocks and coming up with nine digs. Freshman Merry Ellen Ackema was solid at the net, earning her a match-high four block assists, and Brooke Ferguson helped initiate several long rallies with a match-high 16 digs.

Balance was reflected in the Coyotes' statistics, including an attack that was fueled by Priscilla Collings and Samantha Middleborn, both of whom led their team with 12 kills apiece. Middleborn achieved her total in only 14 attacks, ending the match with an incredible .857 hitting percentage.

HSU's best set was the second, indicated by the slim three-point lead the Coyotes held most of the way. But after gaining a sideout, CSUSB set three different players for three straight kills to close out the set.

"We kept some balls alive in the first two sets and scrambled really well," Woodstra said. "But our service wasn't consistent, which makes it hard to hold any momentum."

The Lumberjacks are back on the Lumberjack Arena court Friday when they host UC San Diego in another CCAA matchup. First serve is set for 7 p.m.