By Antonio Flowers
Staff Writer
In a battle that was closer than the final score would indicate, CSUDH women’s volleyball team fell to undefeated Cal State LA Saturday night in three fiercely contested sets in the Torodome.
Though the Toros lost 3-0, they had chances late in the second and third sets to either snatch a set win or tie but came up short.
The Golden Eagles, ranked 22nd in the country, improved their record to 12-0 overall and 4-0 in California Collegiate Athletic Association play. The Toros dropped to 5-7 (0-4).
Junior Tati Yandall led CSUDH with 11 kills and two blocks followed by freshman Rylee Brown with seven kills.
Paced by solid blocking, CSULA jumped out to a 7-2 early in the first set and never looked back, winning 25-17. The second set was key. Late in the set, the Toros led 19-14, but a lapse in blocking defense helped the Golden Eagles tie the score at 19. CSUDH had two opportunities to finish the set, but failed to capitalize, dropping it 31-29.
Behind big early in the third set, the Toros fought back to make it a game at the end but again fell short, 25-22.
The Golden Eagles had five players with seven or more kills to finish the game. They were led by sophomore Santos’ 13, followed by sophomore Daisy Crenshaw’s 10.
“They’re a tough team but we fought hard,” said CSUDH outside hitter Marissa Weber. “They were the better team today but when we play them again at their place I think we’re gonna have more fire and firepower. I think they should be worried.”
The Toros will be back on their home floor in the Torodome on Saturday, September 22. First serve is at 5 p.m. against Cal State Monterey Bay.
