SAN MARCOS, Calif. – The Cal State San Marcos volleyball team wrapped up the 2016 Cougar Classic with four-set come-from-behind victory over Fort Lewis in the tournament finale on Saturday night in The Sports Center. The final scores were 21-25, 31-29, 25-17 and 25-23.
 
The Cougars finished their opening weekend of play with a 3-1 record.
 
"Extremely proud of this team, their focus, determination and gutsy performance throughout the entire weekend," said CSUSM head coach Andrea Leonard. "From start to finish, this tournament was a solid battle and our team is excelling in their effort, execution and ability to win each play. We are on the right path overall and it will continue to get better as we gain more confidence."
 
Sophomore right-side hitter Lauren Lee tallied her second double-double of the year with 15 kills and 14 digs. Senior outside hitter Brooke Butler reached the 20-dig plateau for the second time in her career. She tallied 26 digs at Westmont on Oct. 28, 2014.
 
The Cougar freshmen continue to produce in the opening weekend. Setter Aleese Wheaton dishing out 47 assists while recording 13 digs and five aces. Outside hitter Madi Anderson led all hitters with 17 kills. Middle blocker Maddy Newcombe finished with 15 kills and a .619 clip.
 
Maddie LeBlanc led the Skyhawk's offense with 14 kills and Bailey Longacre chipped in 12 kills.
 
Butler, Lee and Newcombe were selected to the Cougar Classic All-Tournament team. For the three matches, Newcombe recorded a .455 clip with 32 kills on 55 attempts on top of seven blocks.  Lee and Butler produced 33 and 29 kills, respectively.
 
The Cougars travel to the Bay Area next weekend to compete in the D2 West Region Volleyball Showcase. CSUSM begins the tournament against Holy Names on Thursday, Sept. 8 at 9:30 a.m.