PUEBLO, Colo. — The Cal State Monterey Bay won six of seven sets to sweep a pair of matches on Day 1 of the Steel City Showcase Friday at Massari Arena on the campus of Colorado State Pueblo.

The Otters (4–1 overall) swept Davis and Elkins 25–16, 25–9, 25–23 in the opening match. They rallied after dropping the first set against Wilmington (Del.) University to earn a 20–25, 25–18, 25–17, 25–14 win in the afternoon.

Sophomore opposite Savanna Maker (Salinas HS/Nevada) continued her strong early season by combining for 24 kills and five blocks while hitting .435. Senior outside hitter Lauren Reeves (Atascadero/Templeton HS) combined for 25 kills, seven blocks and a .353 attack percentage. Fellow senior outside hitter Kaylie Honberger (Rocklin/Whitney HS) added 24 total kills, including a team season–high 16 in the win over Wilmington.

Setter Ashley Vanderpan (Elk Grove HS/San Diego State) posted a pair of double–double and finished with 81 assists and 27 digs. Senior libero Sam Chavez (Sacramento/St. Francis HS) posted double–digit digs in both matches, including 17 against Wilmington.

CSUMB completely controlled the first two sets against Davis and Elkins, an NCAA Division II school located in West Virginia. The Senators led the third set 18–13 before the Otters used an 8–2 run to take a 21–20 lead. They never trailed again.

The Otters led 20–18 in the first set against Wilmington but conceded the final seven points as the Wildcats pulled out the win. It was all CSUMB from there, however, as the Otters built comfortable leads that wouldn't be challenged midway through each of the final three frames.

THE DAVIS & ELKNS MATCH WAS OVER WHEN… Mikayla Nolte and Savanna Maker stoned Macie Magallon on match point to blunt a late comeback attempt by the Senators.

THE WILMINGTON MATCH WAS OVER WHEN… Kaylie Honberger and Savanna Maker had three kills apiece in an early run that saw the Otters jump to an untouchable 15–6 lead in the fourth set.

STARTING ON THE RIGHT FOOT… The Otters are 4–1 for the second consecutive season, marking the third time the team has start 4–1 or better in back-to-back campaigns (2017–18 under Moe Melhart and 2010–11 under Jody Garry).

TOURNAMENT TIME… The Otters have enjoyed tournament competition under second year Head Coach Courtney Materazzi. With Friday's wins, the Otters now are 8–3 in tournament player under her leadership.

THE HONBERGER 400… With 24 kills Friday, Kaylie Honberger brought her career total to 404. She becomes the 19th player in Otter history to reach the 400–kill level. She needs five kills Saturday to pass Baylie Pierson (407) and Hilary Heath (408) for No. 17 on the all–time list.

DIG THIS… With 27 digs Friday, Sam Chavez passed Erica Chapa (525) and Rachel Freeno (535) for the No. 18 spot on the Otter career digs list. Chavez now has 537 career digs. She needs 19 more to pass Nicki Sanderson for 17th place.

LEADERS OF THE RAFT vs. DAVIS AND ELKINS… POINTS: Savanna Maker/Lauren Reeves 13.5; KILLS: Savanna Maker/Lauren Reeves 12; BLOCKS: Mikayla Nolte 7; ACES: Sam Chavez/Ashley Vanderpan 2; DIGS: Ashley Vanderpan 11.

LEADERS OF THE RAFT vs. WILMINGTON… POINTS: Kaylie Honberger 18; KILLS: Kaylie Honberger 16; BLOCKS: Kea Veenendaal 6; ACES: Mollin Helfrich/Savanna Maker 2; DIGS: Sam Chavez 17.

THE LAST WORD… "The full day today was about grinding it out to win. Sav had another strong and consistent performance this morning, terminating while challenging their outsides as well. This afternoon, we saw a solid climb and progression from Kaylie throughout the entire match. She really fought to find space and finished the last two sets on fire. Bella and Kea came off the bench to provide immediate impact, energy and work." — CSUMB Head Coach Courtney Materazzi

THEY'VE GOT NEXT… The Otters conclude play at the Steel City Showcase with matches against Dallas Baptist (11:30 a.m. MT) and host Colorado State Pueblo (7 p.m. MT).

GO OTTERS!

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