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(Hilo, HI)  The CSUMB volleyball team battled back after a slow start, but dropped their opening match at the Hawaiian Style Classic to Houston Baptist University 15-30, 26-30, 30-26, 27-30.

Returning All-CCAA outside hitter Brittany Etchings (Poway) recorded 18 kills and 16 digs while Courtney Taubert (Madera) tallied 17 kills and 10 digs.  Freshman setter Juliette Ward (Fullerton) finished with 43 assists and 10 digs in her first career match for the Otters.

“Our first match against Houston Baptist was typical of a group of individuals learning how to be a team, " said first year head coach, Jody Garry. "We have a freshman setter with a senior laden team learning completely new training techniques and a new coaching style. Needless to say, we started off shaky but as the match progressed you could feel the shift as they began to rely on their techniques and play as a team."