ROHNERT PARK, Calif-
Taylor Manton broke Sonoma State's all-time digs record on Wednesday night in an absolute barn burner at Seawolf Gym. The Seawolves battled back from a two games to none deficit to beat Cal State Monterey Bay, 3-2. The Seawolves, winners of five of their last six, improve to 10-12, 6-7 CCAA. The Otters fall to 9-16, 6-7 CCAA.
Manton had 36 digs in the match, giving her 1,590 for her career. The previous record was held by Christine Shiba, who had 1,563 from 2000-2003. In addition to the career record, Manton set a new single-season record in the match. She now has 598 digs this season, surpassing
Lillian Harms' record of 571 set last year. Manton is currently 4th in the nation in assists.
Few would have given the Seawolves much of a chance after falling behind 2-0. CSUMB won game one 30-26, then held on for a 30-27 game two win.
The comeback started in game three when SSU edged the Otters 30-25 behind a .229 hitting performance. The Seawolves played their best volleyball of the night in game four, hitting at a .380 clip on their way to a 30-18 win.
The decisive game five had more than its share of drama. The Otters went up 8-6 before SSU put four straight on the board, taking the lead at 10-8. SSU pushed the score to 14-11, serving match point. However, three quick points by the Otters drew things even again, at 14.
SSU served two more match points and the Otters served one of their own before SSU finally put the nail in the coffin at 19-17.
Kristy Sather led the Seawolves with 27 kills.
Kaylee Aizenstadt had 22 kills and
Marianne Fox had 11, breaking the freshman single-season record in the process.
Lindsay Brown was solid all night at setter, turning in 66 assists, a career-high and the fourth-highest total in school history.
Christine Ricketts and Brittany Etchings had 12 kills apiece for the Otters. Melissa Nickas posted 31 digs and Juliette Ward led the squad with 26 assists.
The Seawolves continue CCAA play on Friday when they head up to Arcata to face Humboldt State.
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