CARLSBAD, Calif. – The Cal State San Marcos volleyball team knocked off San Diego Christian in straight sets (25-19, 25-19, 28-26), Tuesday, at Pacific Ridge School in Carlsbad, Calif. The Cougars, which posted their 12th sweep of the season, move to 16-8, while the Hawks fall to 8-11.
 
"I am really happy with our competitive drive tonight," said head coach Andrea Leonard. "We have been working on being aggressive in pressure situations and I thought we were able to apply that tonight and come out victorious."
 
The middle hitter duo of senior Erin Talafus and freshman Kristin Parker combined for a .483 attack percentage as Parker collected a team-best 10 kills while Talafus contributed six.
 
The Cougars came out hot by taking a quick 5-1 lead and never looked back, cruising to a 25-19 first set win.
 
The second set began with both teams battling it out before the Cougars pulled away behind a 9-3 run to repeat at 25-19.
 
The third and final set consisted of 17 ties and nine lead changes.  A SDCC kill by Ashley Simpson gave the Hawks their first set point of the night at 24-22. A Brooke Butler kill followed by a SDCC error evented the set at 24 points apiece. The Cougars would have two match points before a solo block by Parker gave CSUSM the sweep after a 28-26 victory.
 
Parker also recorded a match-high six total blocks including three solos. Freshman libero Samantha Flores tallied a season-best four service aces.
 
"That was an exciting match with aggressive play on both sides of the net," Leonard said. "Our team is coming together and we are excited for our remaining matches."
 
The Cougars compete in The Master's College Tournament this weekend, facing Embry-Riddle (Fla.) and host The Master's College on Friday, Oct. 17.  The next day, CSUSM will take on No. 19 Vanguard at 4 p.m.