BOX SCORE
SEASIDE, Calif. — Economists will tell you that to diversify is sound financial strategy. As it turns out, diversification is sound volleyball strategy as well.

For the first time in 34 matches, four Otter attackers recorded double–figure kills Friday night and the result was a 21–25, 25–23, 25–22, 25–14 Cal State Monterey Bay defeat of Humboldt State in The Kelp Bed.

Freshman outside hitter Jessica Malcolm just missed her career high by finishing with a match–high 14 kills. Sophomore outside hitter Julia Ashen reached double figures for the 10th consecutive match with 13 kills. Freshmen middle blockers Janai Johnson (12 kills) and Victoria Clardy (10 kills) both reached collegiate highs as well.

The offense didn't hog the entire spotlight, however, as the Otter defense also made its mark by finishing with 84 digs, seventh most ever in a four set match at CSUMB. Five different Otters reached double figures in digs, led by sophomore setter Kelsey Johnston, who led all defenders with a career–high 19. Ashen chipped in a career–high 17, a total matched by freshman libero Rachel Cookus.

Malcolm collected 13 digs as part of her first career double–double. The Otters also got double–double performances from Ashen and Johnston, who added 39 assists to her 19 digs.

CSUMB (7–6, 1–4 CCAA) appeared ready to run and hide early in this one by racing to a 10–4 lead in the first set. But Humboldt (2–11, 0–6), one of the top serving teams in the CCAA, got hot from the line, reeled off a 14–2 run, and never looked back in winning the first set.

The noose got a little tighter around the Otters when Humboldt rallied late in the second set to knot the score at 23–23. Consecutive kills by Malcolm leveled the match at one set apiece, however, and the Otters never trailed in the third set to take control of the match.

The Lumberjacks kept things close in the fourth until a 7–1 Otter run midway through the set sealed Humboldt's fate.

CSUMB returns to action Saturday, hosting Cal Poly Pomona in The Kelp Bed for a 7 p.m. start. Pomona is coming off a five–set victory at Cal State East Bay Friday night.