Pioneers Fall Short Against SF State University

BELMONT, Calif.-The Pioneers women's volleyball team were on the road and competed against San Francisco State University with hopes of achieving a win following a double-header loss in Rohnert Park. Despite starting strong, the Pioneers were unable to out-duel the Gators as they dropped the match in three consecutive sets 15-25, 15-25, 18-25.

The match started with both teams trading points as the Pioneers executed strong offensive plays and kills made by Danae Ford (FR/Placerville, CA), (FR/Placerville, CA); Morgan Spencer (JR/Kailua, HI), (SR/Kailua, HI); and Karisa Carlson (SR/Ripon, CA), (SR/Ripon, CA). Following four consecutive offensive kills from the Gators, the Pioneers went into their first timeout trailing 7-11. The Pioneers would rebound to tie the game, but the Gators would utilize strong offensive and defensive moves to reassume and extend their lead. In the end, the Pioneers dropped the first set 15-25.

Entering the second set in an early hole, the Pioneers struggled, executing only two kills made from Ford, and trailed the Gators 2-9. Following the first timeout, Ford reignited the Pioneers rally by executing a kill followed by three consecutive kills made from Kristen Murray (SR/Simi Valley , CA), (SR/Simi Valley, CA); Tiana Whittington (SO/San Gabriel, CA), (SO/San Gabriel, CA); and Spencer. After a kill made by Katie Williams (JR/Ukiah, CA), (JR/Ukiah, CA), and two out-of-bounds plays from the Gators, the Pioneers were in position to challenge the Gators for the lead. It would not be enough to stop the Gators' dominating stretch offensively as the Pioneers fell short in the second set 15-25.

With the Pioneers receiving one final opportunity to claim their first set victory, the Gators opened the third set with an early lead. Kills made from Spencer, Ford, Murray and Carlson kept the Pioneers within striking distance early in the set. The Pioneers, however, were unable to overcome their early deficit and overpower the Gators' offense as the Gators extended their commanding lead and claimed the third set 25-18 and the match 3-0.

Leading the way for the Pioneers on the offensive side was freshman Danae Ford, who posted 10 kills and five digs followed by junior Morgan Spencer, who recorded seven kills and a game-high 11 digs. Also contributing and recording points for the team was junior Katie Williams, who made four kills; senior Karisa Carlson, who made three kills; and senior Kristen Murray, who made two kills. Junior Audrey Uyemura (JR/Loma Linda, CA) posted 10 digs while senior Hannah Clarke (SR/Glendora, CA) led the way with 18 assists.

The Pioneers will return to action on August 30 and play their next scheduled game against Menlo College in Menlo Park, California, at 6:00 p.m.