IRVINE, Calif. - The Eagles finished the SoCal Freeway Challenge Saturday night against Cal State San Marcos. CUI had a solid performance but was edged by CSUSM in four sets with scores 25-21, 19-25, 23-25, and 24-26.

Kennedy Farley shined on her birthday with a double-double earning 14 kills, 15 digs, and adding two aces. Middle Jalyssa Sanchez had an impressive night offensively with 12 kills and a .500 hitting percentage. Sanchez also delivered defensively with two solo blocks while Hannah Tostado racked up three solo blocks. Kirra Schulz earned herself another double-digit night with 12 kills and 15 digs along with one ace. Daniela Poles played from both pins as well and contributed 11 kills with a .375 hitting percentage.

Libero Cassidy Gelacio dug up 20 digs and led the Green and Gold with four aces while Brianna Latigue dished out 41 assists and 11 digs.

The third set was a close one as the score continued to go back and forth and was tied 12 times in just that set alone. The Cougars were able to close out the set with just a two point margin. In the fourth set the Cougars had a lead over the Eagles but Gelacio's serving at the back line helped CUI gain momentum and creep back at 23 a piece. The Eagles rallied with the Cougars but finished by a close score 24-26.

The Eagles will start PacWest Conference play on the road up north on Saturday, Sept. 18 against Holy Names. CUI was originally scheduled to open up league action at Dominican on Friday, Sept. 17 but that contest has now been postponed due to Dominican COVID-19 protocols.  Both schools are planning to make up the CUI-Dominican match at a later date.

CLICK HERE for the full CUI women's volleyball schedule.