By Angel Ayala
Staff Writer
The Cal State Dominguez Hills women’s volleyball team finished the week strong with two crucial victories against Cal State Los Angeles and Humboldt State University.
Before the two victories, the Toros suffered three straight defeats, losing to UC San Diego on Oct. 18 at the Toro Dome, 2-3 (19-25, 25-22, 19-25, 25-23, 12-15). Despite their loss, the team remains half a game behind Cal State San Marcos for the fourth and final South Division berth in the California Collegiate Athletic Association postseason tournament race.
Junior outside hitter Claire Autry had 13 kills against Cal Poly Pomona on Oct. 21, 2-3 (25-19, 20-25, 18-25, 25-23, 9-15) while junior Morelia Castro had 12 kills leading the cardinal and gold. Ultimately, three sets down proved too much to overcome.
CSUDH was defeated by Cal State San Bernardino on Oct. 22, 0-3 (23-25, 16-25, 17-25). With the loss, CSUDH dropped to 7-14 overall, 4-9 in CCAA play.
CSUDH was victorious against Humboldt State on Oct. 27, 3-1 (22-25, 25-22, 25-18, 25-19). Autry had 15 kills, just one shy from matching her career-high. Sophomore outside hitter Hailey Smith had a double-double with 10 kills and 15 digs as the team recovered from a first set defeat to take the match.
In there second victory of the week against Cal State LA on Nov. 4, 3-2 (25-22, 25-18, 19-25, 18-25, 15-12) the Toros showed no quit. CSUDH players junior middle blocker Bridget Heins and Castro had 15 kills, sophomore Cathryn Lopez saved 27 balls as CSUDH halted an Eagles rally to leave the Eagles Nest with a five-win set.
With this win against Cal State LA the Toros are (9-14, 6-9 CCAA) to complete the road schedule and will complete the regular-season at the Toro Dome against Chico State on Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.
