NORTHRIDGE, Calif. -- Seeking a win amidst their two-match losing streak, the second-ranked BYU men's volleyball team fell short against unranked Cal State Northridge in three sets (25-23, 25-21, 29-27) on the road, Friday.
Junior Robb Stowell and freshman Taylor Sander led all players with 17 kills apiece with Stowell hitting an impressive .407 on the night. Futi Tavana finished with eight kills on 11 attempts and two blocks.
The Cougars lead the MPSF in team blocks and were able to outblock the Matadors 7.5 to 3.0 in the three sets but, unfortunately, it wasn't enough to end their losing streak.
In set one BYU started the set up 6-3 but the Matadors came back to tie with kills from Tanner Nua, Brandon Lebrock and a block from Matt Stork. CSUN and BYU kept the set close for the remainder of the set but the Matadors pulled out the close 25-23 win.
Set two was a similar scene with the Cougars taking a one-point early lead but the Matadors rallied a 6-0 run for the 25-21 set victory.
In the third, the Matadors were the ones who took the early lead and held it for the majority of the set. BYU's Sander gave the Cougars a 25-24 advantage at the end of the set but Nua's kill for the Matadors tied the score at 25 on their way to a 29-27 set win and match victory.
BYU setter Ryan Boyce started his third consecutive match against the Matadors, recording 22 assists with teammate setter Joe Kauliakamoa finishing with 23. Middle blocker Quentin Smith recorded a season-high two blocks and his first ace of the season in the evening's matchup.
Both teams will meet again tomorrow, March 19, at 7 p.m. on the same court.