MERCED, Calif. – For the second consecutive season, the Cal State San Marcos volleyball team went undefeated in the UC Merced Holiday Inn Express Invitational. The Cougars closed out the weekend with a sweep over host UC Merced by scores of 25-18, 25-6 and 25-22.
 
"We have had an exciting tournament, with every player contributing in big ways," said head coach Andrea Leonard. "Our overall team chemistry and determination is on target and it shows in our team performance.

The Cougars improve to 9-3 overall while the Bobcats drop to 2-5. 
 
Senior setter Alyssa Foster was able to spread out the offense once again.  Sophomore Brooke Butler had a team-best 10 kills as classmate Morgan Willis and freshman Cheyenne Richards added seven and six kills, respectively.
 
The Cougars found themselves down 10-5 after a slow start but came roaring back with a 20-8 run that let CSUSM take the first set 25-18.
 
CSUSM raised the heat in the second set, hitting an impressive .360 and registering four service aces.  Sophomore Jordan McFarland served up the final 10 points that included three aces.
 
The final set was more dramatic with both teams recording 14 kills. A late run by the Bobcats was halted on Willis' kill that granted CSUSM the victory.
 
I am happy with our ability to maintain a high level of play in these first 12 matches on the road," Leonard said. "We are certainly ready to be home in front of the Cougar faithful."
 
CSUSM hosts Redlands in its home opener at Pacific Ridge School on Wednesday, Sept. 3.  The first serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.