Box Score

RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Facing an always tough La Sierra team whose stands were packed with students in Halloween attire, the Cal State San Marcos women's volleyball team quieted the crowd in Riverside by shutting down the Golden Eagles 25-19, 25-20, 25-22 Wednesday evening.

The two teams have plenty of history, having competed six times already in the last two years, including in the championship match of the A.I.I. Conference Tournament last year in which the Cougars prevailed. After a five-set loss early this season in Riverside, CSUSM has now won the last two meetings of 2012 in convincing fashion.

The key advantage the Cougars held Wednesday night was the play of sophomore outside hitter Taylor DeGraaf, who stepped up big with 18 kills and an outstanding .424 hitting percentage. When DeGraaf is on, points can be very short and hard to come by for opponents, who may not even get a chance to attack after serving. The first team All-Conference selection from last year has now recorded at least 10 kills in 12 of her past 13 games.

DeGraaf's counterpart on the frontlines Nichole May had a solid game with 10 kills and eight digs, recording double digit kills for the third consecutive game. Also contributing on offense were Brittany Thompson and Andi Vordermann, who added seven kills apiece.

Alyssa Foster was actively involved in all areas of the game with 38 assists and six kills, and libero Jaycee Arthur led all players with 12 digs.

With the victory, CSUSM improves to 21-12 overall, and is now 2-1 in conference play. The victory will likely resonate in the eyes of poll voters who will be seeding the teams for A.I.I. Conference Tournament play in November. As of the last ranking, the Cougars were the projected No. 1 seed, and Wednesday's victory will certainly help their cause. La Sierra drops to 20-11 with the loss.

The Cougars will have Thursday off while they travel to Prescott, Arizona for the Embry-Riddle Tournament. CSUSM will play two games Friday and one game Saturday before heading home and hosting No. 8 The Master's College at home to close out the regular season.