FULLERTON, Calif. – Three Titans recorded double-digit kills, as Fullerton used a complete team effort to dismantle UC Riverside 3-1 (25-23, 22-25, 25-14, 25-15) for its first Big West win of the season, Saturday evening inside Titan Gym.
For Fullerton (5-18, 1-8 Big West) the victory was a long time coming, as the Titans snapped what was a 12-match losing streak and have now defeated the Highlanders in back back-to-back seasons. Cal State Fullerton now leads the all-time series 30-8 over UC Riverside and are a dominating 18-2 all-time at home.
That feeling when you win your first @BigWestWVB match... pic.twitter.com/gzSVPqDQMU
— Titan Volleyball (@FullertonVB) October 29, 2017
Madeline Schneider fell just one dig of her eighth double-double of the season, as she recorded a match-high 16 kills and nine digs on a .317 attack percentage. Jayla Norman put together one of her better performances of the season, as she produced 12 kills and a match-high equaling three block assists.
Summer Kerins managed 11 kills on a fantastic .375 attack percentage, while digging out seven balls on the night. Cady Francis put together a match-high 22 digs from the libero spot, while Savahna Costello had 10 digs. Nastassja Bowman served up a team-high 40 assists in the win.
It was Fullerton's night from the very beginning, as the Titans came out and grinded away 25-23 opening set win, nearly leading the entire way. UC Riverside (9-12, 1-8 Big West) responded by taking the second set 25-22 to equalize things at 1-1.
However, it was all Fullerton after that, as the Titans turned it on offensively, compiling .364 attack percentage in the third set. Fullerton raced to a 25-14 third set victory, while just committing one error.
With a 2-1 advantage, the Titans had a chance to close things out in the fourth set, and that's exactly what they did. Fullerton saved its best for last, attacking at a .381 clip to dominate the set. After falling behind 3-0 to begin the period, the Titans were fantastic the rest of the way, eventually claiming the match-clinching set 25-15.
.@m_schnei13 leads with a match-high 16 kills and Jayla Norman chips in with 12 as the Titans get their first Big West win! #TusksUp pic.twitter.com/3X883b6YNR
— Titan Volleyball (@FullertonVB) October 29, 2017
With momentum on its side, Fullerton now hopes to build a win streak, as it heads up north to take on UC Davis, Thursday at 7 pm PT. The match will be the first of a season-high four-game true road trip.
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