LA JOLLA, Calif. - A valiant comeback effort by the UC San Diego women's volleyball team fell short as it lost in five sets against league opponent San Francisco State Friday evening at RIMAC Arena.
UCSD fell behind 0-2 as SFSU won the first two sets by scores of 28-26 and 25-22. However, the Tritons rallied and took the next two frames, 25-21 and 25-23, to even the match at 2-2. The Gators used a run midway through the deciding set to win, 15-9, and take the match.
Caitlin Brenton had a match-high 21 kills for UCSD and completed a double-double by adding 19 digs. In fact, three other Tritons had doubles including Amanda Colla (11 kills, 29 digs), Danielle Dahle (18 kills, 12 digs) and Heidi Sierks (59 assists, 23 digs). Alyssa McNeely had 10 kills, nine digs and six blocks. Bailey Turk totaled 22 digs as UCSD finished the night with a season-high 117 scoops.
The Gators got 16 kills out of Bria Morgan, 14 from Jazmine Wiliams and 13 from Jaclyn Clark. Jessica Nicerio amassed a match-best 33 digs.
Both squads finished under .150 in hitting with UCSD at .138 (68-36-232) and SFSU just behind at .137 (65-33-233).
The Gators ran out to a 4-1 lead in the final set. The Tritons scored two consecutive points to make it 4-3, but San Francisco State took five of the next six to go up 9-4. UCSD couldn't find a way to close the gap. A block by Williams and Melissa Horton ended it.
The Tritons hit -.148 in the fifth set with four kills and eight errors in 27 attacks.
UC San Diego fell to 12-8 overall and 10-6 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). San Francisco State is now 10-11 on the year and an even 8-8 in the conference.
The Tritons and Gators split the season series as UCSD won, 3-1, on Sept. 27 in San Francisco.
UCSD hosts league-leading Sonoma State (15-5, 13-3) Saturday night at 7 p.m. The Seawolves defeated Cal Poly Pomona in four sets Friday. On Sept. 26, UCSD fell, 3-1, against SSU in Rohnert Park.
Saturday's contest will be the team's annual Dig for a Cure match to help raise breast cancer awareness. Fans are encouraged to wear pink to show their support.
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