Box Score

SAN MARCOS, Calif.— The Cal State San Marcos volleyball team sure didn't look like a tired team after a big road win over Occidental on the road Friday. If anything, they were just getting warmed up. The Cougars trailed just once during Saturday's match, and roared out to a 13-3 first set lead after a commanding 11-0 run. The team never looked back from there in making quick work of the Embry-Riddle Eagles, winning 25-15, 25-13, 25-11 Saturday evening at Escondido High School on CSUSM Faculty and Staff Appreciation Night.

The new-look Cougars appeared to be rejuvenated by the recent lineup shift that moved libero Nichole May to an outside hitter role, with both the offense and the defense being the beneficiary. May recorded five kills in the 11-point first set outburst en route to a game-high 12 kills and a robust .367 hitting percentage in just her second game at the position. After rarely getting the opportunity to attack as a libero (7 kills in 25 games), she has tallied 21 kills in just the past two games. She also added 5 service aces, which all came during a 10-0 run in the third set.

As a team, the Cougars hit an efficient .324 on the match, surpassing last night's strong performance to record the second highest total in their last 25 games. Another beneficiary of May's position switch has been Taylor DeGraaf, who saw less attention from opposing blockers to record 11 kills with a .421 attacking percentage.

On the other end, the Cougars frustrated Eagle attackers all night, limiting them to a meager .010 hitting percentage by offering little real estate for the ball to drop in play. Jaycee Arthur, who played at libero for the second straight game, flourished in the role in recording 23 digs and five assists. Setter Alyssa Foster had several fantastic digs on the evening in racking up a double-double with 25 assists and 14 digs. Nichole May also contributed as usual on the defensive end, notching 11 digs for her first career double-double.

“Tonight was an exciting win in front of the always energetic Blue Crew,” said head coach Andrea Leonard after the match. “We wanted to show appreciation to our professors and the commitment they make by executing a game plan and we were able to accomplish that. Getting our 20th win is also significant for such a committed and dedicated group of student athletes.”

With the victory, CSUSM improves to 20-11 on the season, while Embry Riddle drops to 10-12 with the loss. The Cougars will take on the always tough Azusa Pacific Cougars on the road Tuesday, then will travel to face conference rival La Sierra in Riverside on Wednesday. Cal State San Marcos' last home volleyball match of the season will take place Friday, November 2 against 8th ranked The Master's College.