SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. - In what has become the norm in the first two matches of the season, Sacramento State found itself in another tightly contested contest on Saturday vs. 19th-ranked Arkansas.

However, the Hornets lost to the Razorbacks, 3-0, in three sets that were all decided by three points or less (25-22, 26-24, 25-22). Coupled with last night's season-opening four set loss to Cal Poly (25-22, 28-26, 25-27, 25-23), Sacramento State has played all seven sets to outcomes decided by three points or fewer. Both matches were played on Cal Poly's home floor.

One big positive is both tightly contested matches came against very good teams, including a Cal Poly team that was selected to win the Big West Conference in the preseason coaches poll. And a nationally ranked Arkansas squad that reached the Elite Eight at last season's NCAA Tournament.

Another positive is the play of senior outside hitter Caitlin Volkmann, who notched her 1,000th career kill in the first set of today's match. She finished the contest with 10 kills and nine digs, and now has 1,008 career kills. Volkmann, who noted 300-plus kills each of the last two seasons, becomes the 26th Hornet to reach the 1,000 milestone over the last 40 years.

Though the Hornets begin the season 0-2, the team will now turn its attention to next week's Sacramento State Invitational when they play home matches three consecutive days (Thursday-Saturday). That includes games against CSUN on Thursday (7 p.m.), New Mexico State on Friday (7 p.m.) and San Francisco on Saturday (2 p.m.).

Bridgette Smith was named to the all-tournament team after averaging 5.14 kills, 2.14 digs and 0.71 aces per set. The outside hitter hit .306, and led all players in kills in both matches.

In this afternoon's loss, the Hornets had some chances, which included holding a 19-16 lead in the first set, saving two set points in the second frame, and playing in a third set where no team led by more than five points the entire way. In fact, Arkansas never led by more than five points at any point during the entire match.

Sacramento State had more kills (40-39), but the Hornets were limited to a .149 hitting percentage while Arkansas hit .308. Sacramento State also had 2.0 team blocks against an Arkansas squad with plenty of size.

For the Hornets, Smith led all players with 13 kills to go along with seven digs and a solo block. Volkmann had a match-best three aces to go with her 10 kills and nine digs. Ellie Tisko added eight kills and a .313 hitting percentage, and Ashlynn Archer four kills. Rightside hitter Greta Davis had three kills and a .333 hitting percentage.

Setters Hailey Plugge (18 ast, 1 dig) and Kate Doorn (15 ast, 5 digs) combined for 33 assists and six digs, while Reese Ampi posted six digs.