IRVINE, Calif. – Facing the No. 3 ranked team in the nation, the Cal State San Marcos volleyball team went down fighting in a three-set match (16-25, 27-29, 15-25) at Concordia (Calif.) Wednesday night at CU Arena.  The Cougars fell to 13-7 as the Eagles improve to 17-1. 
 
Senior outside hitter Alyssa Hubbard and freshman middle hitter Kristin Parker tallied 10 kills apiece to lead the Cougars.  Senior setter Alyssa Foster dished out 31 assists while freshman libero Samantha Flores collected 14 digs.
 
On the other side, CUI's Jessica Israel finished with 16 kills while Rachel Flynn recorded 13 kills and 10 digs.
 
After falling 25-16 in the opening set, CSUSM came out strong in the second set by taking a 7-4 lead.  The Eagles fought back to tie it at 10-10.  From that point on, the set featured 14 ties.  CSUSM had set point at 27-26 after Foster and sophomore Markisha Henderson-Diaz combined for a block. Three consecutive Eagle points clinched the win at 29-27.
 
The Eagles secured the match with a 25-15 third set win behind a .429 attack percentage.
 
The Cougars conclude its four-game road trip with a stop in Lancaster to face West Coast Baptist on Saturday, Oct. 4.  First serve slated for 2 p.m.