ARCATA, Calif. — The best Lumberjacks volleyball season in two decades came to an end Saturday night. Cal State Los Angeles spoiled both Humboldt State's Senior Night and potential first NCAA Division II playoff bid, as it surprised the home team with a 3-0 straight set victory.
 
The Golden Eagles scored the match's first and last points and many in between. Cal State Los Angeles ran away with the opening set (25-17), before outlasting HSU in the other two sets (25-21 and 25-20).
 
"The match was a disappointment. We wanted to not only win the match, but play our best volleyball. We didn't execute and end rallies like we needed tonight," said HSU Head Coach Kelly Wood. "Cal State Los Angeles came in and played very well. I was impressed by their ability to play the way they did after traveling the entire state."
 
With the loss, HSU ended its season at 17-9, the program's best season since 1995 (18-9). The Jacks also posted their best California Collegiate Athletic Association record of 14-8 and highest finish of fourth.
 
"The season was a huge success," said Wood. "We feel a sense of accomplishment. It was a good start turning the program around and we were one step away from the national tournament. We look to continue building from here."
 
The Golden Eagles (17-8/15-7 CCAA) captured third place in the CCAA with the win.
 
The Jacks had three key senior players – Ashley Owen, Erin Mitchell and Colleen Noonan – play in their final match tonight.
 
In the match, Owen led HSU with seven kills and added a block. She finished her Lumberjack career with 719 kills in two season including the fourth-highest HSU single-season kill total of 416 last year.
 
Mitchell handed out a team-best 11 assists and dug three attacks, while Noonan had a dig.
 
"We lose three amazing seniors from this year. All three are great volleyball players and even better human beings," said the HSU coach. "They are all unselfish, have great work ethics and have a passion for the game of volleyball. They will be missed."
 
Nicole Bewley chipped in six kills and Haley Biles added 15 digs on defense.