ARCATA, Calif. – In front of an energetic crowd at Lumberjack Arena, Cal Poly Humboldt volleyball delivered a stunning upset, taking down the defending national champions and current No. 14-ranked Cal State LA in a thrilling five-set match on Saturday afternoon. The Lumberjacks clawed back to win the match 25-20, 20-25, 22-25, 25-23, 15-12, marking their first conference victory of the season and bringing their record to 5-5 (1-1 CCAA).
Cal State LA (6-3, 1-1 CCAA) entered the contest as the heavy favorite, but the determined Humboldt squad seized the opportunity to make a statement in front of a packed house of 168 fans. The victory over the Golden Eagles is a significant milestone for the Lumberjacks as they continue to develop in CCAA competition.
Match Highlights
The match opened with Cal Poly Humboldt claiming the first set 25-20, fueled by a .304 hitting percentage and an early offensive spark. The Golden Eagles answered in sets two and three, edging the Jacks with scores of 25-20 and 25-22, respectively, but Humboldt refused to back down. In a pivotal fourth set, the Lumberjacks rallied late to take a 25-23 victory, forcing a decisive fifth set.
Humboldt closed out the match with an electrifying 15-12 fifth set, maintaining composure in the high-stakes moments. The Lumberjacks capitalized on timely defense and aggressive serving, holding off the Golden Eagles to secure the win.
Statistical Leaders
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Awelina Fakalata led the charge for the Lumberjacks with 18 kills, while also contributing 15 digs and four service aces.
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Madyn Cervellera delivered an all-around performance with 13 kills, 17 digs, and four blocks, solidifying her impact on both ends of the court.
- Setter
Kyra Slavik was instrumental, recording 38 assists, eight kills, two blocks, and four aces.
- Middle blocker
Hollis Downing was a force at the net, tallying a team-high six blocks.
Defensively, the Jacks matched Cal State LA dig-for-dig, with both teams recording 75 digs apiece.
Sophia Spoja added 15 digs for the Lumberjacks, helping them neutralize the Golden Eagles' potent attack led by Emily Elliott, who registered a match-high 24 kills for Cal State LA.
Humboldt also outperformed the Golden Eagles from the service line, racking up 16 aces compared to LA's 13. Fakalata, Slavik, and
Aurora Meneghetti each posted four aces, keeping the visitors on their heels throughout the match.
Coach's Reaction
"This was a true team effort," said head coach
Angela Spoja. "We had some adversity after losing Thursday and we took a stance of 'why not us' against Cal State LA. I told the team 'why not us-why not us hitting positive, why not us digging and blocking them-why not us?' The whole team bought in and played well together.
Kyra Slavik did a great job leading our team today in this win and for the first time I think It really showed. She held people to the line, and It was well received. I don't really want to focus on individual stats as we just beat the reigning NCAA champions and It took everyone on our team."
Looking Ahead
Cal Poly Humboldt will hit the road next week and continue conference play at Chico State (4-5, 1-1 CCAA) on Friday and first place Stanislaus State (9-1, 2-0 CCAA) on Saturday. First serve on Friday is set for 5:00 PM from
Art Acker Gymnasium in Chico. Both games will be available for streaming on
FloVolleyball. For more information on Cal Poly Humboldt Volleyball, please visit
humboldtathletics.com, download our mobile app, and follow us on all social media platforms.
