ROHNERT PARK -- After winning the first set, the Sonoma State volleyball team lost the next three in suffering a 3-1 loss (19-25, 25-22, 25-20, 25-18) to visiting Cal State San Marcos Saturday night at The Wolves' Den.  The Seawolves suffered just their second loss in conference play, falling to 9-2 against CCAA opponents and 15-5 overall.  The Cougars rose to 11-9 overall and 8-4 in the conference.

In game one it seemed like business as usual for the Seawolves as they won by six behind consistent play all around, while the other team struggled handing the serve, and keeping the ball in play.  In the set Sonoma State held Cal State San Marcos to a paltry .073 hitting percentage while the home team hit for a modest .213.

In the second game that had 11 tie scores, and seven lead changes the set was a battle up until 22-22.  The set showed some amazing defense by both teams which kickstarted the energy level in the gym. While Cal State San Marcos had been ratcheting up the pressure behind tough serving throughout the set, it was culminated with two aces by setter Aleese Wheaton for the Cougars which sent the two teams into the break tied at a set a piece.

The third set had usually been a place of comfort for the Seawolves generally winning most games this season where they split the first two.  Unfortunately for tonight this was not that night.  Cal State San Marcos continued to build momentum by serving more aggressively keeping the Seawolves on their heels and never letting up.  The Cougars had a nine point lead late at 22-13 before the Seawolves made it interesting and brought it to within two behind the tough serving of senior setter Courtney Seda who served for seven straight points.   In the third set it was Sonoma State who struggled from the hitting line only hitting for a .065 average.  Unfortunately this was enough for the visitors who capitalized by winning the set by five.

In the fourth, both teams were knotted at 14-14 apiece with defense shining for the first half of the set.   Unfortunately this was as tight as it was going to be as the Cougars went on an 11-4 run behind the ever dangerous presence of Middle Hitters Maddy Newcombe who had led the Cougars with 14 kills, and Faith Fortune who had 10 kills and only one hitting error leading the team with a .333 hitting percentage.

The Seawolves now head on the road with the hope of getting back on track versus two CCAA South opponents.  Sonoma State will first start off on Friday, Oct. 27th vs. Cal State Dominguez Hills, and then a final match on Saturday, Oct. 28th vs. the ever dangerous Golden Eagles of Cal State Los Angeles.