Box Score

COSTA MESA, Calif.-- The No. 11 ranked Cal State San Marcos women's volleyball team knew coming in that they were facing one of the NAIA's hottest teams, but were unable to hold off the surging Vanguard Lions Friday night in Costa Mesa, falling 25-15, 25-20, 25-22.

The Cougars got off to a slow start in front of 178 Lion fans on “Blackout Night” for Vanguard, but fought tooth and nail the remainder of the evening, losing a pair off close sets to drop the match. CSUSM was tied 20-20 in the second set before losing the final five points, and pulled within two points in the final set before the Lions closed out the match.

The loss is the second in a row for the Cougars, who fell to No. 2 Concordia earlier in the week. Meanwhile, Vanguard appears likely to leap into the NAIA national rankings after five consecutive victories, including back to back wins over No. 10 Westmont and Cal State San Marcos. CSUSM has struggled on the road this season, going 17-3 in neutral and home matches, but are just 1-7 thus far on the road. 

Taylor DeGraaf had a solid evening for the Cougars, recording a game high 11 kills and a team best 13 digs on the match. Setter Alyssa Foster shined as well, notching 26 assists, 6 digs, and six kills with a .500 hitting percentage.

The Cougars will continue to face top notch competition, facing No. 10 Westmont at home on Tuesday, October 16 in a rematch of the NAIA's Game of the Week from three weeks ago. The match will begin at 5:00 pm at Escondido High School