SAN MARCOS, Calif. – The Cal State San Marcos volleyball team pushed hard against one of the nation's top teams only to fall just short of a victory.  Saturday afternoon, the Cougars took the opening set against No. 14 Cal State San Bernardino before the Coyotes fought back to take a 27-29, 25-21, 25-17, 25-21 decision in Hunter Gym.
 
CSUSM dropped to 3-8 overall and 0-3 in CCAA while San Bernardino improved to 8-2 and 1-1 in conference play.
 
The Cougars got double-doubles from senior Taylor DeGraaf (17 kills and 10 digs) and junior Brooke Butler (14 kills and 12 digs). Sophomore Samantha Flores added a team-leading 26 digs.
 
Five of CSUSM's 10 blocks came in the opening set as the Cougars snagged set one 29-27.  The set featured a season-high 17 ties and seven lead changes. CSUSM collected the win on the fourth-set point with a block by junior Morgan Willis and freshman Lauren Lee.
 
The Cougars led set two throughout the single digit section. San Bernardino went on a four-point run to take a 12-9 lead.  The Coyotes eventually evened the match at 1-1 with a 25-21 win.
 
CSUSM's offense halted in the third set, collecting only nine kills. The Coyotes cruised to a 25-17 victory.
 
In the fourth set, the Cougars offense matched San Bernardino's with both teams tallying 17 kills.  The teams traded points until the 12-point mark when San Bernardino went on a three-point run. The Cougars were unable to catch the Coyotes at that point, falling 25-20.
 
San Bernardino was paced by Breanna McIntosh's 20 kills with Maika O'Brien adding 17 kills. 
 
On Tuesday, Sept. 22, the Cougars make the long trek up to Arcata for their first CCAA road match, taking on the Lumberjacks of Humboldt State at 5 p.m.