Cal Poly Humboldt Athletics

The Cal Poly Humboldt volleyball team enjoyed one of its most impressive wins in some time with a stunning upset over the defending national champs on Saturday afternoon.

The Humboldt women welcomed Cal State LA to Lumberjack Arena and won a five-set thriller, 25-20, 20-25, 22-25, 25-23, 15-12.

With the win, the Jacks improved to 5-5 overall and 1-1 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association.

The Jacks took the opening set, but the visitors would begin to take control after winning the next two to move them within reach of the victory.

The home team, however, dug deep to win the final two sets and record the statement win.

The Cal State LA women came into the game as the 14th ranked team in the nation.

“This was a true team effort,” Cal Poly Humboldt head coach Angela Spoja said. “We had some adversity after losing Thursday (against Cal State Dominguez Hills) and we took a stance of ‘why not us’ against Cal State LA. 

“The whole team bought in and played well together.”

Awelina Fakalata led the Jacks with18 kills and also had 15 digs and four service aces, while Madyn Cervellera had a good all-around game and finished with 13 kills, 17 digs and four blocks.

Setter Kyra Slavik also was instrumental in the victory with 38 assists, eight kills, two blocks and four aces.

“Kyra Slavik did a great job leading our team today in this win and for the first time I think It really showed,” Spoja added. “She held people to the line, and It was well received.

“I don’t really want to focus on individual stats as we just beat the reigning NCAA champions and It took everyone on our team.”

Middle blocker Hollis Downing was a force at the net, tallying a team-high six blocks.

Humboldt also outperformed the Golden Eagles from the service line, racking up 16 aces compared to LA’s 13. 

Next up, the Jacks will play at Chico State on Friday.

With Saturday’s loss, Cal State LA dropped to 1-1 in conference and 6-3 overall.