ARCATA, Calif. – A precision-passing effort and a 16-kill performance courtesy of Alex Lolland helped Humboldt State volleyball capture a 3-1 victory in Thursday's season opener against Academy of Art.

"It feels very good to get the first match over with and to get a four-set win," said HSU Head Coach Kelly Wood. "It's a relief. I wanted to win this one in three, but I am still happy with the result."

HSU got off to a fast start in the first set. Natalie Picone recorded a kill to cap an 8-2 run by the Jacks midway through the set, which gave the home team a 17-9 edge. The home team went on to win the set 25-16.

"We were passing very well and it made it easy for our setters," said Wood. "We had three options every rotation because we were passing well. We are a much stronger team when we are passing well and that happened in the first two sets."

The Urban Knights hung with the Jacks in the second set, but the Green and Gold pulled away late. HSU went on a 7-0 run and built a 21-11 advantage down the stretch. Picone and Lolland combined for 11 kills in the second set.

"Alex played left side for us last year and this year we moved her to the right side, which can be challenging," said Wood. "It's the ultimate sacrifice, to step out of her comfort zone and move to the right side. She can hit off two feet or one foot, and she has become so much smarter from the right. She got a lot of kills tonight from off-speed shots or tips."

HSU's passers struggled in the third set, and Academy of Art took advantage. The Urban Knights recorded seven of the set's final nine points and forced a fourth frame with 25-22 win.

The Jacks bounced back in the final set, as Academy of Art recorded a match-high 12 errors.

Jessica Lammers and Taylor Yancey each finished with more than 20 assists with 26 and 24, respectively. Lammers also tied for the team lead with 13 digs.

HSU and Academy of Art tangle Friday afternoon in Lumberjack Arena. First serve is scheduled for 3 p.m. HSU students, faculty and staff receive free admission with campus ID.