SEASIDE, Calif. — The Cal State Monterey Bay volleyball team built on Tuesday's strong performance against Cal State L.A. with an even stronger one Thursday night when No. 21 Sonoma State visited The Kelp Bed for the only meeting between the teams this season.

The Otters pulled out a win for the ages, beating the defending NCAA West Regional champions in a thrilling 5–setter, 25–16, 25–22, 25–27, 24–26, 15–12.

Not only was it CSUMB's first win over the Seawolves since the 2007 season, it was the first time the Otters took more than one set in a match from Sonoma in that span. The Otters also earned their first win over a nationally–ranked team since beating then No. 16 UC San Diego in four sets on October 7, 2011.

The Otters got a team–high 23 kills from senior outside hitter Jessica Malcolm (Lodi HS). Junior middle blocker DJ Gresham-Ryder (Stockton/Chavez HS) had nine block assists, tied for the second most in a match in Otter history. Senior libero Rachel Cookus (Thousand Oaks HS) added 32 digs, tied for the seventh most in a match in Otter history.

The Otters return to action and close their 4–match homestand Saturday night by hosting Humboldt State for a 7 p.m. first serve.