BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The Broncos dropped a thriller on Saturday afternoon, nearly coming all the way back from a 2-0 deficit against Simon Fraser. After losing the first two sets by scores of 25-20 and 25-16, the Green & Gold rallied in the third and fourth with wins of 25-20 and 25-23. In the fifth set with the score tied 16-16, a service error and an attack error by the Broncos would end the team's comeback hopes, dropping their record to 1-2 on the season.
 
To no one's surprise, Sarah Ybarra shined in the WWU Invitational with 48 kills, 40 assists, and 45 digs - logging at least a double-double in each match. The La Habra native currently leads the entire CCAA in kills per set (4.00) and points per set (4.67) through opening weekend. Both Ybarra and Charlotte Koerber were named to the WWU Invitational All-Tournament Team, as Koerber logged 31 kills with a team-leading 54 digs across the three matches.
 
Freshman setter Kacie Caoili took center stage in her collegiate debut on Saturday, orchestrating the offense with an impressive 46 assists, while also logging 12 digs and a match-high four aces.
 
Ybarra led the attack with 20 kills and a .381 hitting percentage, including recording the 500^th kill of her career in the fourth set. She also had a strong presence on defense, leading the team with 21 digs and four assisted blocks. Redshirt freshman Elle Walker added 15 kills of her own to the team's 58 in the match, her first time reaching double-digits in her career. Kylie Leopard led CPP at the net in her season debut, posting a career-high six blocks with a .400 attack percentage.
 
Despite taking the loss against the Red Leafs, the resilient comeback effort and multiple standout performances show promise for the No. 11 ranked Broncos as they adjust their focus to the Cal State LA Invitational next weekend.
 
 
Up Next
The Broncos will play three matches in Los Angeles next weekend at the Cal State LA Invitational, including games against #23 Colorado Mesa, Simon Fraser, and host Cal State LA. Action will begin on Friday, September 12^th, at 11:00 AM.
 
 
Bronco Bits

• The Broncos are now 6-1 all-time against Simon Fraser.
• Traci Dahl is now 103-41 (.715) as head coach of the Broncos.
• Now in its 45th season, CPP Volleyball is 824-549 (.600) all-time with a 209-138 (.602) record in neutral matches.
• Cal Poly Pomona is an impressive 27-5 (.844) in non-conference regular season matches since the start of the 2021 season.
• Freshman Kacie Caoili made her collegiate debut on Saturday afternoon, having a day to remember with 46 assists, 12 digs, and four aces.