SAN FRANCISCO (Sept. 15, 2017) — Improved play at the service line and better play on the attack were difference makers in No. 16 CSUSB's 3-1 victory (25-22, 25-20, 24-26, 25-15) over host San Francisco State in the CCAA opener for both teams.
 
Ace highs
The Coyotes (5-4 overall) had 11 service aces with four from junior MB Hailey Jackson and three each from freshman OH Alexis Cardoza and freshman L Leilia To'omalatai gave the Coyotes and advantage.
 
On the attack
Led by Senior OH Lauren Nicholson's match-high 19 kills, the Coyotes hit .260 (60 kills, 20 errors, 151 attacks). Cardoza had 15 kills and sophomore Moira Murphy had 12.
 
Momentum builder
After an opening set that featured 10 ties and five lead changes, just six ties occurred over the final three sets with just three lead changes.
 
They can dig it
To'omalatai added 17 digs with her three aces. Both Nicholson and Cardoza had 13 digs apiece.
 
What's next
The Coyotes are at Sonoma State on Saturday. First serve is 7 p.m.
 
Coach Says
"Nice to get our first CCAA win tonight against a much improved SFSU team,'' head coach Kim Cherniss said. "They really keyed on our middles, so our pin attackers – Alexis, Lauren and Moira — stepped up to the plate and took some great swings. Real proud that as a team, we also did a great job from the service line.''