SAN MARCOS, Calif.— Looking for its ninth win in a ten game stretch, the Cal State San Marcos volleyball team returns to action Friday evening aiming to avenge a prior loss on the road with a showdown against 18th ranked Vanguard. On Saturday, the Cougars will hit the road again for a contest against Hope International in Fullerton.
 
THE SCHEDULE
Match 30
Friday, October 18 – 7:00 p.m.
No. 18 Vanguard (15-5) at No. 25 Cal State San Marcos (21-8)
Escondido, Calif. – Escondido HS Gym
Live Video
Live Stats
 
Match 31
Saturday, October 19– 7:00 p.m.
Cal State San Marcos (21-8) at Hope International (5-14)
Fullerton, Calif. – Ryan Athletic Center
Live Video
Live Stats

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WATCH IT LIVE!
For those fans who can't make it out to the game, we've got you covered! All home CSUSM volleyball matches are broadcast live via the Ustream channel CSUSMsports. The videos are also saved so that fans can go back and watch after the match. Live stats are also available to give you all the latest play-by-play and up-to-date info as you watch.

FINAL HOME GAME OF THE SEASON
For most teams, the final home game is a time for the program to recognize its seniors for their contributions and celebrate their final game in front of the home fans. However, for CSUSM there's no need, as the Cougars have no seniors on this year's squad. That doesn't mean there's a shortage of leadership on the squad though-- the Cougars have six players who have been with the team since the program's inception in 2011, including NAIA All-American honorable mentions Taylor DeGraaf and Alyssa Foster.
   
WEEK PREVIEW
The Cougars will bring the Lions into their neck of the woods for the first time in school history, though that doesn't mean the two teams are unfamiliar with each other. CSUSM is 2-2 all-time against Vanguard, getting swept on the road in September, but knocking the Lions out of the postseason in the NAIA National Tournament opening round last season. Erin Talafus set a school record with 10 blocks to go along with seven kills in the 2012 victory.
 
CSUSM vs Vanguard All-Time History 

Date	Score	Site	Game Summary
Sep. 14, 2013	0-3	A	14-25, 23-25, 23-25
Nov. 17, 2012	3-1	A	25-17, 25-15, 19-25, 25-22 *NAIA Nationals Opening Round
Oct. 12, 2012	0-3	A	15-25, 20-25, 22-25
Sep. 9, 2011	3-1	N	29-27, 25-10, 26-28, 25-18

 
The following evening, CSUSM will take the court against Hope International, whom they are 4-0 against lifetime and defeated 25-20, 25-20, 23-25, 25-10 just over a month ago. Taylor DeGraaf was lights out in the win, recording 27 kills and 11 digs for the Cougars.
 
SHOOTING FOR 400
Junior standout Kara Barkdoll is getting hot, and her timing couldn't be much better. With the Cougars fighting several injuries and closing in on the tail end of the season, Barkdoll has stepped up with back-to-back big matches, averaging eight kills and a .542 hitting percentage last week.
 
If she can keep up the pace, Barkdoll will eclipse 400 kills on her career, as she currently has 386 heading into this week. The middle hitter from Portland, Oregon has the fourth most kills in CSUSM history, and will likely be counted on mightily as the Cougars kick off their postseason run.
 
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