DENVER – The No. 6 Yotes came storming back on day two of the Colorado Premier Tournament on Saturday with two five-set wins, including a nightcap thriller over regional rival Western Washington.
 
Against Texas A&M Commerce the Yotes led the way on the defensive end, out-blocking their opponent 12-7 and leading 79-71 in digs.  Makena Overbey and Asia Clarke had 15 digs each and Alexis Cardoza had 14 digs to go with her 15 kills.  Clarke led the offense with 19 kills.  Jalyn Hayes had 14 kills and three blocks.  Clarke also led in blocks with six and Lydia Morohunfola added five.
 
"It was a gritty win for us today. Texas A&M Commerce fought very hard and pushed us to the limit," head coach Kim Cherniss said.  "Asia Clarke and Jalyn Hayes had standout offensive performances, but ultimately our defensive players were the difference.  Makena Overbey, Diana Maile, Leilia To'omalatai, and Jayden Chornomud were super effective in their roles for us today."
 
Against Western Washington, CSUSB's recent regional rival, the Yotes took set one 25-23, then fell in an epic 35-33 set two and after dropping set three, took set four 25-21 and pulled out the fifth set, 15-13.
 
"Tonight was a great win for our program," Cherniss said.  "The entire weekend was a war and to persevere in five against WWU in a match with huge regional implications is a credit to the champion mentality of our players.  I cannot say enough about Makena Overbey in the libero position.  She was all over the court on defense and so, so solid in serve receive.  Huge kudos also to Alexis and Jalyn, great players always show up in the big matches and they were both sensational tonight."
 
The Yotes took a huge advantage with eight aces to three, with Overbey and Clark getting four each.  Overbey added 31 digs and Marlee Nunley turned that into 63 assists.  On the offensive end Cardoza had 18 kills hitting .261 and Hayes added 14 kills at a .345 clip.  Garciglia had 17 kills and Morohunfola added 10. Cardoza, Clarke, and Nunley each added 11 digs.
 
The Yotes will ride that momentum into CCAA play with a trip to Chico on deck for Friday, September 17 at 7 pm.  Live links are on CSUSBAthletics.com.