The momentum was all on the Chico State volleyball team's side. Until it wasn't. The Wildcats won the second set 25–20 and led by as many as five points in the third, but host Cal State San Marcos reeled off eight points in a row on the way to a 25–21, 20–25, 25–22, 25–21 victory in four sets.
 
Chico State's fifth service error of the third set started the Cougars' decisive rally. And despite Head Coach Cody Hein's best efforts (he called two timeouts during the run), the Wildcats could not stop the bleeding. They twice got back to within a point, but never fully closed the gap. They never led in the fourth set.
 
The Wildcats fell to 7-6 overall and 1-2 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. Cal State San Marcos improved to 4-6 overall and 1-1 in conference action.
  
Makaela Keeve and Anna Baytosh paced the Wildcats with 11 kills apiece, while Mckenna LaForge and Bekah Boyle tallied nine apiece. Keeve also banged out a trio of blocks. Tristen Thompson posted a career-high 25 digs, while McKenna Carroll collected 15 and Brooke Fogel 13. Nicole Desrochers dished out a match-high 26 assists and Carroll had 13.
 
The Wildcats will look to get back on track Saturday night when they face CCAA South Division-leading UC San Diego (8-2, 2-0 CCAA) at 7 p.m. in La Jolla.