SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – The Cal State San Marcos volleyball team recorded a split on the first day of The Master's College Tournament Friday in Santa Clarita, Calif.  The Cougars snagged a five-set thriller over Embry-Riddle (Fla.) before dropping a four-set match to host The Master's College.
 
Sophomore Brooke Butler posted 22 kills and 25 digs on the day while senior Kelli McLin chipped in 21 kills.  Freshman Kristin Parker dominated at the net, tallying eight blocks including three solos.  
 
The Cougars are back in action Saturday afternoon when they take on No. 19 Vanguard at 4 p.m.
 
 
Match 1: CSUSM 3, Embry Riddle (Fla) 2
 
The Cougars dropped the first set 23-25, but rallied back to even the match at one set a piece with a 25-20 victory.  After the Eagles collected a 25-15 third set win, CSUSM pushed the match to five by taking the fourth set 29-27.  Back-to-back kills by seniors Erin Talafus and McLin clinched the 15-12 match.
 
Butler collected her third double-double of the season with 13 kills and 16 digs.  Senior Alyssa Foster also snagged a double-double with 55 assists and 15 digs.
Talafus hit .393 with 14 kills on 28 attempts and only three errors. Freshman libero Samantha Flores passed the 20 dig point for the sixth time this season with 23 in the match.
 
 
Match 2: The Master's College 3, CSUSM
 
The Cougars took the first set 25-20 before falling in three straight sets; 14-25, 23-25, 18-25.
 
Senior Alyssa Hubbard had a team-high 13 kills while McLin posted a .280 attack percentage on eight kills.