FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- Despite the best performance by a Sacramento State outside hitter in 17 years, the Hornets dropped a heart breaker at Northern Arizona, 3-2 (25-20, 21-25, 28-26, 20-25, 15-13), on Saturday afternoon at Rolle Activity Center.
Hornet outside hitter
Victoria Marthaler finished with a career-best 33 kills, the most by a Hornet since Missie Stidham had 34 during the 2007 season. The 33 kills are also tied for the seventh best mark in program history, and she had 18 more kills than any other player in the match. In addition, she had five-plus kills in every set, including 10 in the Hornets' victorious second frame.
Marthaler had kills on three straight points to help the Hornets to a 5-0 run and tie the score at 12-12 in the fifth. However, the Lumberjacks scored three of the match's final four points. Sacramento State never had a lead in the fifth. The Hornets had a chance to take control of the match in the third set with the scored tied 1-1 in sets, and two set points at 24-22. However, NAU eventually won the frame.
The Hornets dropped to 9-8 overall and 2-3 in the Big Sky Conference. Sacramento State saw its six-match winning streak against Northern Arizona come to a close. The Lumberjacks, who have won eight straight at home dating back to last season, improved to 14-5 and 4-2 in league.
Today marked the end of a three-match road trip, and the Hornets will play four straight and seven of the next nine at home.
Statistically, both teams were nearly identical across the board except blocks, where NAU held a 12-8 advantage. That included three big blocks in the fifth set.
Five Hornets had career highs, comprised of Marthaler,
Skyler Gartin's 12 kills,
Kate Doorn's career-high tying 56 assists,
Keonahi'ilani Solaita's 12 digs, and
Amy Ito's eight digs.
Ashlynn Archer had 15 kills (one shy of her career best), and Gartin had a .500 hitting percentage to go with her 12 kills.
Reese Ampi added 25 digs, and Doorn had her 25th career double-double (56 assists, 14 digs). Solaita and Doorn both had a pair of aces.
Next week, the Hornets will host Montana on Thursday at 7 p.m., and Montana State on Saturday at 1 p.m.
