FULLERTON, Calif. --- Shimen Fayad recorded a match-high 17.5 points, while striking for 17 kills, but it wasn't quite enough, as Titans' furious rally came up just short, falling 3-2 (25-14, 25-17, 20-25, 9-25, 15-10) to Chicago State, Friday night at Titan Gym.
For Fullerton (2-2) the match marks the second five-set loss of the season, while both of its wins have come in sweeps.
Fayad's .342 attack percentage led the team, while Cady Francis recorded a team-best 18 digs. Madeline Schneider and Meagan Carlson rounded out the double-digit attackers for the Titans, recording 11 kills and 10 kills respectively. Nastassja Bowman and Carlson each recorded three blocks apiece.
It was a slow start for Fullerton in the opening set, as no Titan recorded more than two kills. Madeline Schneider and Shimen Fayad led the way with two apiece. Cady Francis led the way defensively with six digs.
Fullerton fell behind early and eventually got as close as 9-7 before the Cougars took control and won the opening set 25-14.
The Titans responded well in the second set, keeping things close throughout, but Chicago State's .273 attack percentage was too much to handle, as Fullerton dropped the set 25-17.
Most of the night was an uphill battle, but Fullerton continued to fight. After falling behind 5-1, the Titans launched an 8-3 run of their own to grab their first lead of the night at 9-8.
Fullerton then found its rhythm, pushing through a 10-4 run to close out the set 25-20. The Titans kept the momentum rolling into fourth set, jumping out to a 9-3 advantage before finishing the set on a furious 16-6 run to force a fifth and match deciding fifth set. Fullerton recorded a match-high .344 attack percentage in the fourth, committing just three errors on 32 total attacks.
Unfortunately, the Titans couldn't quite get over the hump, falling 15-10 in the final set to drop the match.
Fullerton aims to get back in the win column, as it'll clash with San Jose State tomorrow at 11 am PT.
SUPPORT THE TITANS!
Fans can purchase tickets for various Cal State Fullerton athletic events by visiting FullertonTitans.com/Tickets. The Athletic Ticket Office can also be contacted by phone at 657-278-2783 or by email at athletictixs@fullerton.edu. The Ticket Office is located at the Titan House off of Gymnasium Drive at the eastern end of the Intramural Fields and is open from 10 am – 4 pm PT, Monday – Friday.
FOLLOW THE TITANS!
Fans can keep up with the latest in Titan Athletics by following us on Facebook (Facebook/FullertonTitans), Twitter (@FullertonTitans) Instagram (FullertonTitans) and Snapchat (FullertonTitans). In addition, the volleyball team has established its own Twitter (@FullertonVB) and Instagram accounts (Titans_VB).