SAN MARCOS, Calif.— The Cal State San Marcos women's volleyball team will make their home debut Tuesday evening after a strong start to the season led to their ascension into the Top-10 of the NAIA Coaches' Poll.
 
The Cougars will face a formidable opponent in No. 2 Concordia (Calif.), who made the NAIA Championship game in 2011 and is currently undefeated. The much-anticipated match will take place at 7:00 pm at nearby Escondido High School.
 
CSUSM will also face NCAA opponent Cal Baptist on Friday evening at 5:00pm in Riverside, Calif.
 
SCHEDULE
 
Match 19
Tuesday, September 11 – 7:00 pm
No. 2 Concordia (Calif.) (12-0) at No. 10 Cal State San Marcos (13-5)
Escondido HS – Escondido, Calif.
 
Match 20
Friday, September 14 – 5:00 pm
No. 10 Cal State San Marcos (13-5) at Cal Baptist (5-2)
Riverside, Calif.
 
PLAYING THE FIELD
 
The Cougars will look to turn the tables against Concordia, who they faced twice last season. CSUSM lost in three sets the first time they played, in just the school's first week as a volleyball program. However, the Cougars won the first set in their next meeting before dropping the final three in a much tighter match than the first.
 
Outside hitter Taylor DeGraaf rose to the occasion in both matchups against Concordia last year, notching game-high kills totals in each contest and combining for 35 kills and a .347 hitting percentage.
 
The Cougars have yet to face Cal Baptist in their short two-year history.
 
ACE IN THE HOLE
 
It's tough to quantify the effect that senior libero Nichole May has on the court for the Cougars. Looking at a box score can show excellent dig and serve statistics, but her value to CSUSM extends much beyond that.
 
Besides being a leader both on and off the court, May amazes and dazzles with the number of kill attempts she reaches that others simply can't. Her control in passing is nearly impeccable, and serves received defensively are handled with precision and control.
 
After getting a glimpse of May's defensive talents, opponents are forced to alter game plans around her because of her force on the court. As the Cougars prepare for two big games against talented opponents this week, May might just be the trick up the Cougars' sleeve that can frustrate opposing attackers and put CSUSM over the top.