CHICO, Calif. – Hitting errors haunted Cal Poly Humboldt as they fell to Chico State in a three-set match on Friday evening at Pleasant Valley High School, an alternative site after a power outage in Chico forced a venue change. The 'Jacks dropped to 5-6 overall and 1-2 in the CCAA following the 18-25, 19-25, 24-26 defeat, while Chico State improved to 5-5 overall and 2-1 in conference play.

Humboldt struggled to find consistency in its attack, posting a hitting percentage of .114 for the match compared to Chico State's .288. The Jacks' offensive struggles were most evident in the first set, where they committed nine errors and hit -.032, unable to match the Wildcats' efficiency at .308. 

Despite improved play in sets two and three, where Humboldt registered .175 and .154 hitting percentages, respectively, Chico State's defense proved too strong. The Wildcats sealed the victory with a 26-24 win in the third set after holding off a late Humboldt rally.

Awelina Fakalata led the Jacks with 12 kills, followed by Shanaley Iakopo with 10, and Madyn Cervellera with 9. Fakalata and Mackenzie Gilchrist each added an ace, but Humboldt couldn't generate enough momentum to close the gap. Hollis Downing contributed defensively with four blocks, and Kyra Slavik dished out 33 assists to go along with her 9 digs.

Chico State's Kassandra Nall paced the Wildcats with 17 kills, supported by Maria Wahl's 11. Gwyneth Wentzel was a force at the net, tallying 7 blocks, while Brynna Geibel anchored the back row with 14 digs.

Humboldt's effort was most notable in the third set, where they challenged the Wildcats to the final points. However, critical errors allowed Chico State to capitalize and close out the match.

The 'Jacks will look to bounce back as they continue their road trip in the CCAA with a match against Stanislaus State on Saturday, September 28.

Up Next
Cal Poly Humboldt will head to Turlock and face second place Stanislaus State (9-2, 2-1 CCAA) in Ed & Bertha Fitzpatrick Arena on Saturday, September 28, at 5:00 PM. The match can be streamed 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.