LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Cal State Fullerton's six-match win streak came to an end, but the Titans certainly didn't go down without a fight, as they lost a 3-2 (25-14, 25-22, 19-25, 20-25, 15-13) heartbreaker to Eastern Kentucky to open up the Rebel Challenge, Friday inside Cox Pavilion.
The Titans (6-2) showed a tremendous amount of fight, rallying to take sets three and four after dropping the first two sets. In the fifth and deciding set, Fullerton got things to as close as 14-13 after trailing 13-9.
Three Titans ended up with double figure kills. Madelins Schneider led the way for the seventh time in eight matches, as she notched a match-high 15 kills, while coming through with seven digs. Tyler Fezzey came up with a double digit kill performance, as she struck for 11 to go along with six digs and a couple of blocks.
Felicia Marshall also produced 13 kills and five digs, while Courtney Mueller notched her second double-double of the season, with a match-high 28 assists and 10 digs. Neena Dimas picked up a team and career-high 21 digs, while Savahna Costello checked in with 10.
After a brutal first set that saw the Titans hit about as poorly as they've hit all season, they made their adjustments and made their run. After a 25-14 opening set defeat, the Titans nearly managed to get over the hump in the second set, dropping a tough 25-22 decision.
However, all wasn't lost. Fullerton climbed out of its 0-2 hole, toppling Eastern Kentucky 25-19 in the third set, outhitting the Colonels .258 to -0.86.
The Titans kept that positive momentum rolling into the fourth set, earning a gritty 25-20 victory. Unfortunately, Fullerton just didn't have enough gas left in the take to win the fifth.
Fullerton will have a chance to redeem itself tonight, as it'll take on host UNLV at 7 pm PT.
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