SEASIDE, Calif.--- Stanislaus State fought off Cal State Monterey Bay in a back-and-forth five-set battle, 20-25, 25-17, 23-25, 25-23, 15-12, Friday night at the Otter Sports Center to remain unbeaten in CCAA play at 5-0.

The Warriors overcame an early deficit and a spirited Otter effort to improve to 7-5 overall. Isabella Saucedo powered the offense with 19 kills and seven digs, while Christallynn Tate added 14 kills on .323 hitting. Fallon Freeman chipped in 12 kills and three blocks, and Irene London anchored the defense at the net with a match-high seven blocks. Setters Shaelyn Pruiett and Reagan Wilkerson directed the attack with 26 and 20 assists, respectively.

Set 1:
Cal State Monterey Bay, which dropped to 2-10 overall and 1-4 in the CCAA, used a late surge to take the opener 25-20 after 12 ties and five lead changes. Despite six kills from Saucedo and four from Freeman, the Warriors couldn't overcome 10 Otter kills from the pin.

Set 2:
Stanislaus State found its rhythm in the second, hitting .257 and rolling to a 25-17 win. The Warriors took control early behind a 10-2 run sparked by Wilkerson's serving and back-to-back kills from Saucedo and Malia Tanksley. Tate's four kills helped seal the set and even the match.

Set 3:
The Otters rallied in another tight frame, edging Stan State 25-23 despite the Warriors' late push. Freeman and Saucedo each had three kills, but Monterey Bay capitalized on a pair of late hitting errors to regain the lead, 2-1.

Set 4:
Facing elimination, the Warriors showed grit, rallying from 19-17 down to win 25-23. Saucedo and Tate combined for seven kills in the set, and London teamed with Saucedo for a key block at 24-22. The victory forced a decisive fifth set.

Set 5:
Stan State carried the momentum into the finale, jumping ahead 6-2 behind Wilkerson's serving and strong net play from London and Tate. Monterey Bay closed to within two but kills by Saucedo and Freeman sealed the 15-12 clincher.

The Warriors finished with 64 kills, 18 combined blocks, and seven aces while hitting .195 for the match.

Warrior Notables:

·       Isabella Saucedo led all players with 19 kills and added seven digs.

·       Christallynn Tate recorded a career-high 14 kills and 15.5 points, hitting .323.

·       Fallon Freeman chipped in 12 kills and three blocks.

·       Irene London led an 18-block team effort with a season-best seven.

·       Shaelyn Pruiett dished out 26 assists, while Reagan Wilkerson added 20 assists and 16 digs.

·       Stanislaus State's 5-0 start to CCAA play marks its best conference opening since joining the league.

Up Next:
The Warriors continue their three-match road trip tomorrow in Hayward, Calif., for a 5 p.m. match against Cal State East Bay. The Pioneers defeated UC Merced in three sets Friday night in Hayward. After Saturday, Stan State will wrap up the road stretch at San Francisco State on Thursday, Oct. 9, at 5 p.m. The Warriors then return home on Saturday, Oct. 11, for a 2 p.m. matchup with (RV) Cal State Los Angeles.