SAN FRANCISCO — The Cal State Monterey Bay volleyball team continued its strong early run of play with a convincing 25–8, 25–17, 25–23 sweep of Hawaii–Hilo in its opening match of the West Region Crossover Tournament Thursday after at The Swamp of the campus of San Francisco State. The Otters picked up their third consecutive win and improved to 4–1 overall.

Junior outside hitter Anela Visesio (Seaside HS) led a potent and efficient Otter offense by posting a match–high 13 kills against just one error for a .462 attack percentage. Amber Tygart (Yucaipa HS) and Maddy Underwood Spokane/Mead HS) added nine and eight kills respectively.

Libero Ashlynne Armstrong (Norco HS) and setter Erica Chapa (San Benito HS/Gavilan College) anchored the defense with 17 and 13 digs apiece. Chandler McKean (Visalia/Redwood HS) chipped in a match–high three blocks.
 

---

THE MATCH WAS OVER WHEN… a Chandler McKean kill sparked a set–ending 7–1 run to close the second set, giving CSUMB a commanding 2–0 lead in the match.

HITTING HIGH… The Otters have hit .300 or better in their last two matches. They hit .375 in their Sept. 2 win over No. 20 Metro State and .320 in Thursday's win over Hawaii–Hilo. It's the first time the Otters have hit .300 or better in consecutive matches since hitting .317 and .381 in wins over Chaminade and Dominican University on Sept. 4–5, 2009. That's a span of 217 matches.

HOW LOW CAN YOU GO?… By holding the Vulcans to just eight points in the first set, CSUMB held an NCAA Division II opponent to single digits for the first time in the rally–scoring era of NCAA Volleyball (since 2001).

IN CASE YOU'RE KEEPING SCORE AT HOME… the Otters have never hit .300 or better in three consecutive matches.

LEADERS OF THE RAFT… POINTS: Anela Visesio 13; KILLS: Anela Visesio 13; BLOCKS: Chandler McKean 3; ACES: Ashlynne Armstrong/Erica Chapa 2; DIGS: Ashlynne Armstrong 17.

THE LAST WORD… "I was pleased with the result, but not how we played. We need to continue to strive to play our way and our system regardless of circumstances. I am looking forward to three more opportunities this weekend to get better." – CSUMB Head Coach Moe Melhart

THEY'VE GOT NEXT… The Otters continue play at the West Region Crossover with two match Friday. They will play Biola University at 9 a.m. and Academy of Art at 6 p.m. in The Swamp. Both schools are members of the Pacific West Conference.