TURLOCK – Despite the aggressive hitting and scrappy defense of the entire Stanislaus State volleyball team, Cal State San Marcos left Ed & Bertha Fitzpatrick Arena with a win in four sets on Friday night.
 
The Warriors (10-14, 7-8 CCAA) remained neck and neck with the Cougars (15-9, 8-7 CCAA) during sets one and two, then emerged with an inspiring energy to pull out the win in set three, before losing the decisive set by a mere two points (22-25, 17-25, 25-11, 23-25).
 
After falling behind 1-3 in set three, Stan State served their way back into the lead with a five-point run, giving them a 6-3 point lead served by Taylor Massengale. During Massengale's second opportunity behind the serving line, the Warriors went on a six-point run, giving them the lead 22-9, before finishing the set 25-11.
 
Right side hitter Lindsay Skadeland had an outstanding night, ending the game with 12 kills, a new season-high for her. On her total of 30 hitting attempts, Skadeland made only two attacking errors, hitting a .333 attacking percentage.
 
Blair Ehrlich's offensive aggression was the greatest challenge to the Cougars defense, and carried the Warriors in the front row. She smashed 20 kills for the night, leading the entire match offensively. With 12 digs, she was also one of five Warriors to dig in the double digits.
 
Hailey Gruetzmacher led the Warriors defensive efforts with 17 digs. Jocelyn Cervantes defended right beside Gruetzmacher with 15 digs for the night. Behind Ehrlich, Paige Walker added 11 digs of her own.
 
In the front row for the Cougars, outside hitter Madi Anderson led with 12 kills. Lauren Lee had 11, and Brooke Butler and Maddy Newcombe each killed 10. The Cougars libero Samantha Flores led the match with a total of 32 digs.
 
The Warriors will be back at Fitzpatrick Arena on Saturday night as they take on UC San Diego for their last home match of the season. It will be senior night for Stan State.