Athenas Fall to Regals of Cal Lutheran 3-1

CMS Volleyball fell to 2-1 in conference play at the hands of Cal Lutheran University Tuesday night in Thousand Oaks. The Athenas played the Regals well to start each of the first 2 games, but at 17-16 in both sets, Cal Lutheran went on 14-4 runs led by junior outside hitter Summer Plante-Newman who finished the night with 22 kills. Plagued by inconsistencies in serve receive, the Athenas fell out of rhythm late in both games and were unable to recover, falling 21-30, 21-30. Game 3 was all Cal Lutheran as the CMS squad struggled in the opening points and went behind 2-11 before recovering its composure and fighting back for its highest point total of the night, but the Athenas fell short again and lost the match 22-30. CMS was held to just .150 hitting percentage for the match, totaling only 36 kills in 3 games. 12 of them belonged to senior outside hitter/opposite, Alicia Freeman (CMC, Santa Barbara CA) who also chipped in 5 digs. Setter Alex Harrison (Jr. CMC, Tucson AZ) controlled the offense and picked up 10 digs. With the loss, the Athenas slip into third place behind currently undefeated (SCIAC play) Cal Lutheran and University of La Verne. CMS will host University of Redlands in its first SCIAC home game on Friday night. Match time is 7:30.

(photo courtesy Cal Lutheran University)