LA JOLLA, Calif. – Competing in front of more than 600 fans, the Cougars clinched the first set 25-23 before falling in three consecutive sets 25-20, 25-17 and 25-22 at UC San Diego in California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) match on Saturday night.
 
The Cougars drop to 8-4 overall and 1-2 in conference play. The Tritons remain undefeated at 3-0 in CCAA action and 6-5 for the season.
 
The Cougars were led by middle blocker Maddy Newcombe's 16.5 points. The freshman had 12 kills, three aces and two blocks.  She tallied a .381 clip on 12 attempts.
 
Sophomore Lauren Lee and freshman Madi Anderson registered 13 and 11 kills, respectively.  Junior Samantha Flores reached the 20-dig plateau for the sixth time this season, recording 24 in the match. Freshman Aleese Wheaton notched her ninth double-double of 2016 with 41 assists and 21 digs.
 
UCSD out-blocked CSUSM 13-4 and held a .264 (56-14-159) to  .150 (55-28-180) advantage in hitting percentage.
 
The Cougars continue their four-match road trip next weekend, traveling to the Bay Area to take on Cal State Monterey Bay on Friday, Sept. 30. First serve is slated for 7 p.m.