SAN MARCOS, Calif. -- Cal Poly Humboldt volleyball took on the Cal State San Marcos Cougars from The Sports Center in San Marcos on Saturday evening. The 'Jacks held tough but fell to the Cougars in three sets (23-25, 15-25, 22-25). Avery McIntyre had 10 kills and a .529 hitting percentage to go along with three block assists. Awelina Fakalata (13 kills, 11 digs) and Kyra Slavik (24 assists, 12 digs) both recorded double-doubles. 

The teams traded points to begin set one, as the score was tied 6-6 before Humboldt scored three straight points to take a 9-6 lead. The 'Jacks kept the early momentum and extended their lead to six, after kills from Awelina Fakalata, Lindsey McLaughlin, Avery McIntyre, and Ryleeh Tuaolo made it a 15-9 Humboldt advantage. The combination of Cougar kills and a couple of errors from the Lumberjacks tied the match at 17. San Marcos jumped out to a 22-20 lead but Kyra Slavik and Elyse McKinney brought it to 23-22. The Cougars went on to take two of the following three points and finished set one on top 25-23. 

Back-to-back kills from McIntyre and Fakalata put the 'Jacks in front 2-1 to start set two. San Marcos proceeded to score five straight points and jump out to a 6-2 lead over Humboldt. The Cougars extended their lead to 11 over the 'Jacks as they went up 19-8 after a huge run. Humboldt cut the Cougar lead to seven (19-12) when McLaughlin scored an ace after kills from McIntyre and Fakalata once again. Despite the comeback effort, the Cougars fought to regain their double-digit lead and went back up 22-12. The final six points were split evenly and the Cougars took a two-set lead after winning the set 25-15. 

The Lumberjacks jumped out to a hot start in set three, claiming an early 5-0 lead over the Cougars. San Marcos responded with a quick five points of their own to even the score. After trading points, San Marcos was able to create separation in the score after tallying five straight points, making it a 17-10 Cougar advantage. After a timeout, the 'Jacks responded with six of the next eight points to cut the San Marcos lead to three points, 19-16. Of the next 10 points, each team scored five points to make it 24-21. Awelina Fakalata extended the match with a kill to make it 24-22 Cougars, but Trinity Barr of San Marcos shut the door with a kill of her own to win set three 25-22 and sweep the 'Jacks. 

Records
Cal Poly Humboldt (5-15, 2-10 CCAA)
Cal State San Marcos (9-11, 7-5 CCAA)

Up Next
Humboldt will return to Lumberjack Arena for a four-game home stand beginning Thursday at 7:00 PM versus Cal State East Bay for their "Timber Turnout Big Game." You can catch all the action on the CCAA Network. For more information on Cal Poly Humboldt volleyball, please visit humboldtathletics.com and follow us on all social media platforms.