SAN FRANCISCO – Humboldt State women's volleyball was hoping that this weekend's matches would erase its recent struggles on the court. Following a very tight opening set, the Lumberjacks (6-9, 4-7) could not get things going at San Francisco State (9-9, 7-4), losing in straight sets (26-28, 19-25, 16-25).
 
"We had a lead in the first that we let get away," said Head Coach Kelly Wood. "From that point on we really failed to execute in most areas."
 
After falling behind early in the first set, the Jacks rattled off four straight points, to lead 6-3. Two of those points came courtesy of aces off the serve of Haley Biles. The Gators answered, and retook the lead at 14-13. Overall, the set featured fifteen ties and seven lead changes. Again, the Jacks would not give in and at 16-18, HSU scored six of the next seven to build the lead up to 22-19. Four of Kaitlin Dunaway's nine kills came during this run. At 23-21, the SF State answered with four straight to capture the advantage once again. Symone Hayden's kill tied the score at 24 apiece. Hayden and Dunaway shared the team-high with nine kills each. After several back-and-forth points, the Gators closed out the set 28-26.
 
The Jacks jumped out to a quick 3-1 lead in the second set, and despite losing the lead through 4-6, clawed back to regain it again at 7-6 following a block assist by Alondra Haro and Madison Hunziker. After the set was tied 8-8, the Green and Gold could not get back into it, and fell 19-25.
 
Humboldt State never held a lead in the third set. Freshman Rachel Tostberg led HSU with 13 assists.
 
"Our offense is depending too highly on our outsides, we're not getting contributions from the other hitters and we need them to chip in," said Wood. "We have another opportunity tomorrow night against Easy Bay, and we are looking forward to getting on the right track."
 
The Jacks will have an opportunity to put this match behind themselves when they take on Cal State East Bay Saturday night at 7 p.m.