FRESNO, Calif. – Hours after taking the opening set from Loyola Marymount before falling to the Lions, UC Riverside took Fresno State to five sets and beyond Saturday at the Save Mart Center, where the Highlanders fought hard in two losses at the Fresno State Invitational.
 
Amarachi Osuji notched a combined 24 kills, with 10 against Loyola and 14 on Fresno State, while Mia Christensen finished the day with five aces and 31 digs for the Highlanders (1-3, 0-0 Big West). It was the first meeting in 10 years between the Lions and Highlanders, and the fifth straight win for Fresno State over UCR in their first meeting since 2015.

Ayanna Kimbrough was a difference maker in the Highlanders' five-setter against their hosts, with her 6 kills in 8 attempts and only 1 error (.625) putting extra pressure on the Bulldogs.

The Highlanders head back to prepare to for their home opener Friday, Sept. 10, at the UC Riverside Volleyball Classic, as UCR hosts New Orleans vs. Southern Utah at 12 p.m., followed by the first home match for the Highlanders in 657 days when they take on Southern Utah at 7 p.m. in SRC Arena. The Classic continues Saturday as the Highlanders face New Orleans at 12 p.m.