Women’s Volleyball remains strong throughout season

By Richard Burrud |Staff Writer|

The Coyote women’s Volleyball team took their 14th win in conference playing into Saturday’s game against Humboldt State University (HSU), which is 5-13 in conference.

The Lumberjacks and Coyotes played four games, Coyotes prevailing victorious yet again.

Keeping their ongoing winning streak against HSU; victorious in 16 games and undefeated since HSU has joined the CCAA in 2006.

The highlight plays of outside hitter Alexandra Torline and the strong defensive prowess of the Coyote women helped to win 25-19 in the first set, 25-20 in the second set, and 25-13 in the fourth set.

Coyote women and HSU started the game with a back and forth battle; sophomore Alexandra Torline helped to tie the game at 9-9. Then the coyotes took a decisive lead (14-9).

Finishing the first set strong, Torline killed three of the last four Coyote points leading to a 25-19 set one victory.

The second set stayed close with ties at five, seven and nine. The kill by Torline helped break the tie, and helped the Coyotes get it together. From there on, the Coyotes did not tie or find themselves down in the set.

Outside hitter Kaitlyn Christner came off the bench with three kills in the second set, 10 kills on the night, helping the Coyotes to a 25-20 second set victory.

“Encouraging teammates and consistency make it easy to play when I am on the court,” said Christner.

The Coyotes got down early in the third set (2-8) and were never able to recover. The Lumberjacks’ Katilyn Dunaway and Ashely Owen were able to catch a rhythm to defeat the Coyotes in the third set 25-17.

The Coyotes came into the fourth set looking to finish the game and come away with a win. Dunaway for the Lumberjacks were able to tie the game at six in the fourth set.

The Coyotes were able to rally off six points that gave them the lead 12-6.

The game continued with three straight kills by Coyote’s Alexandra Torline extending the lead to 18-10.

A defensive stand helped the Coyotes get a fourth set victory 25-13.

The Coyotes improved to a 20-5 overall record for the season with five games remaining on the season.

With the win, the Coyotes have now won 20 games for the 17th straight year.

“We are a consistent team and program. All around efforts allow us to be successful,” said coach Kim Cherniss.

Wrapping up the season, the Coyotes are currently 15-1 record in conference play and hold a two game lead over UC San Diego. The Coyotes play the Tritons (UCSD) Nov. 20 with an opportunity to clinch their eighth straight CCAA title.

“Everyone’s attitude in the gym and games keeps us focused and our skill level will make a run at Nationals,” said Torline.

Coyotes are looking forward to finishing their season at home in the Coussoulis Arena on Nov. 22 and 23.

Come support your Coyote Volleyball team at their next home game against CSU Dominguez Hills on Nov. 22 in their efforts stay on top of the California Collegiate Athletic Association.

Additionally, senior night ceremony on Nov. 23 in the game against CSU Los Angeles. Knock them out, Coyotes!