Box Score Box Score

Competing in the program's first ever postseason match, the #2 seeded Cougars put away a feisty Firestorm team trying to defend their home court and kept their postseason ambitions on track, winning in 4 sets (28-26, 25-15, 30-32, 25-19). Outside hitters Taylor Degraaf and Lindsey Mitchell led the way offensively, recording 25 and 21 kills respectively, combining for 70% of the team's total. Setter Alyssa Foster had 56 assists, and the Cougars had 4 players post double-digit dig totals, led by Nichole May's 23.
 
CSUSM had defeated Arizona Christian twice already this season, but the Firestorm came out hot in the first set, leading from the opening point until a Lindsey Mitchell kill tied the score at 19 all, and a Taylor Degraaf spike gave the Cougars their first lead.  CSUSM never lost the lead after that, but the set wasn't clinched until their fourth set point when Mitchell slammed home the winning point.
 
The Cougars went on to take the second set without much resistance, opening a quick 15-5 lead and holding on from there. However, the third set saw numerous lead changes, as the Firestorm refused to go down easily. After each team had several opportunities to take the set, Arizona Christian finally closed it out 32-30, after a grueling 62 rallies.
 
It can be tough to lose a set like that, especially when it seemed like the match was already in hand, but the Cougars kept their composure and roared back to win the final set without much drama.
 
The Cougars are now 1-0 in pool play, and will face #3 seed Jamestown (ND) later this evening. A victory will automatically advance them to tomorrow's semifinal. The winner of the A.I.I. Conference Tournament will receive an automatic bid to the NAIA national tournament.