CEDAR CITY, Utah – UC Riverside jumped out to a 2-1 set lead on Friday against Sacramento State, but ultimately dropped a 3-2 decision at America First Event Center. 

Defense took the spotlight to begin another tight battle on Friday morning, as the margin never exceeded three for the majority of set one.

UC Riverside and Sacramento State traded points in the latter part of the set. UCR created separation, though, and finally put the finishing touches on a 1-0 set lead with a 3-0 scoring run and back-to-back aces from Layla Hooks. 

UCR evenly distributed its offense in set two with its first four kills from four different Highlanders. Sophia Ewalefo accounted for five of UC Riverside's nine kills in the set to continue her hot streak in Utah, but the Hornets eventually tied the match at one set apiece. 

A definitive 4-0 scoring run turned the tables for UCR and created a 17-13 lead in set three. Sacramento State snuck back into the set, but UCR overpowered the Hornets with a 6-1 run to close the door. 

UCR continued dictating the pace with a 5-1 scoring run to kick off set four. The mojo tapered off midway through the set, though, and the Highlanders couldn't recover before Sacramento State forced a fifth set. 

UC Riverside was caught flat-footed with a 6-0 deficit in set five and couldn't recover in the decisive frame.

The Highlanders will wrap up their Utah trip on Saturday morning with a 10:00 am first serve against Weber State on the WAC Digital Network.