The Student News Site of San Francisco State University

Golden Gate Xpress

test
The Student News Site of San Francisco State University

Golden Gate Xpress

The Student News Site of San Francisco State University

Golden Gate Xpress

Gators’ vollyball losing woes continue

SF+State+Gators%E2%80%99+head+coach+Matt+Hoffman+talks+with+his+team+during+their+loss+against+Sonoma+State+University+at+the+Swamp+on+Saturday%2C+Sept.+17%2C+2016.+The+Gators+fell+to+the+Seawolves+in+three+straight+sets.
SF State Gators’ head coach Matt Hoffman talks with his team during their loss against Sonoma State University at the Swamp on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. The Gators fell to the Seawolves in three straight sets.
SF State Gators’ senior setter Linda Aerne (6) sets the ball for sophomore middle blocker Lauren Williams (2) during their loss against Sonoma State University at the Swamp on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. The Gators fell to the Seawolves in three straight sets.
[/media-credit] SF State Gators’ senior setter Linda Aerne (6) sets the ball for sophomore middle blocker Lauren Williams (2) during their loss against Sonoma State University at the Swamp on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. The Gators fell to the Seawolves in three straight sets.

The SF State Gators women’s volleyball team showed significant improvement but couldn’t handle the Sonoma State Seawolves, unable to win a set for the third consecutive game. Their losing streak extended to five matches, and they haven’t notched a single victory at home.

According to head coach Matt Hoffman, despite the loss, he believes his team made improvements that can carry into upcoming games.

“I’m impressed that we did a good job at what we wanted to improve upon from the last match,” Hoffman said. “We started seeing things a lot better, and I’m impressed that they carry out what we been working on this week.”

The game started off tight for both teams with each exchanging points in the first set. The Seawolves appeared to find their rhythm early and took advantage of the Gators’ defensive miscues to close the set 25-18.

As the game progressed, the Gators seemed to fight harder. The Gators battled from behind in the second set and kept it close without allowing the Seawolves extend their runs but lost 25-21.

SF State Gators’ freshman defensive specialist Emily Johns (4) fails to hit the ball during their loss against Sonoma State University at the Swamp on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. The Gators fell to the Seawolves in three straight sets.
[/media-credit] SF State Gators’ freshman defensive specialist Emily Johns (4) fails to hit the ball during their loss against Sonoma State University at the Swamp on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. The Gators fell to the Seawolves in three straight sets.

The Gators’ strong play carried onto the third set. With the game tied at 14-14, the  momentum seemed to swing in SF State’s favor, but the Gators became stagnant. The Seawolves took advantage once again with an 11-4 run to close out the Gators 25-18 in the final set.

The maturation of Gators’ true freshman libero, Emily Johns, played a significant role in the team’s improvement against the Seawolves. Johns recorded a game and career-high 18 digs.

“The key was adjusting to the other team and making our adjustment based on what they were doing and that helps us with our success,” Johns said.

SF State Gators’ freshman defensive specialist Emily Johns (4) talks with her teammates on the court during the last set of their game against Sonoma State University at the Swamp on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. The Gators fell to the Seawolves in three straight sets.
[/media-credit] SF State Gators’ freshman defensive specialist Emily Johns (4) talks with her teammates on the court during the last set of their game against Sonoma State University at the Swamp on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. The Gators fell to the Seawolves in three straight sets.

Outside hitter Haley Halpert also played a big role in the game tallying a game-high 12 kills on 29 attempted. Halpert said the team looks forward to correcting the mistakes made today that were key in the Gators’ loss.

“I think we didn’t adjust well to the serve,” Halpert said. “To better prepare for the next game, is for us to recognize those serves.”

The Gators have back-to-back road games against Cal State Monterey Bay on Sept. 23 and Cal State East Bay on Sept. 24.

SF State Gators’ head coach Matt Hoffman (left) and Sonoma State University head coach Bear Grassl (right) talk after the game at the Swamp on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. The Gators fell to the Seawolves in three straight sets.
[/media-credit] SF State Gators’ head coach Matt Hoffman (left) and Sonoma State University head coach Bear Grassl (right) talk after the game at the Swamp on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. The Gators fell to the Seawolves in three straight sets.
Leave a Comment
More to Discover

Comments (0)

All Golden Gate Xpress Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Activate Search
The Student News Site of San Francisco State University
Gators’ vollyball losing woes continue