POMONA, Calif. – For the first time this season, the Humboldt State volleyball team needed the fifth set to determine the outcome. With the Lumberjacks (3-3, 1-1) and Cal Poly Pomona (6-4, 2-0) trading off the first four games (22-25, 25-22, 13-25, 25-23), it was the Broncos that ultimately took a close fifth set, 16-14.
 
"We made too many errors tonight both at the service line and at the net to expect to win," said Head Coach Kelly Wood. "We have to decrease the unforced errors from this point on."
 
The Jacks found themselves in familiar territory after two games. For the fifth time in six matches this season, HSU has split the opening sets, but for the first time won the second set.
 
The final set was close throughout, with neither team growing a lead larger than two points. Three consecutive HSU points pushed the Jacks out of an early hole, putting the visiting side up 6-5. After each team rattled off two straight points, it was 8-7 Humboldt State when it came time to switch sides. The Lumberjacks earned the first point following the change of direction, and maintained the two-point edge until 11-9. It was at that time that the Broncos went on a mini-run, earning three straight, to go ahead 12-11. After a series of tied scores, Nicole Bewley recorded one of her match-high match-high 21 kills to ensure that the game would not end at 15. CPP capitalized on one of HSU's 14 service errors, followed it up with a kill, and claimed the conference match.
 
"We have to get over the loss quickly and get read for another tough matchup on Saturday against Monterey Bay," said Wood.
 
The match will be the third California Collegiate Athletic Association match of the week for the Otters as well. After defeating Sonoma State, 3-2, on Thursday night, Monterey Bay is also 1-1 in CCAA games.