Cal State Dominguez Hills women’s volleyball team earned its first victory of the 2026 season on September 12 at the Torodome in Carson, California, edging Stanislaus State 3-2 in a thrilling match. The Toros overcame early struggles to win 14-25, 25-20, 21-25, 25-23, 15-10 and improved to 1-8 overall and 1-1 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA).
Dakota Carvo led the Toros with a match-high 17 kills, supported by Jaidan Alexander’s 13 and Ryann Bennett’s 11 kills. After dropping the first set and trailing 11-8 in the second, Cal State Dominguez Hills rallied behind strong serving from Keilyn Flores, who helped spark a run that gave the team a 19-17 lead in the second set. Malia Jones contributed a service ace and 17 defensive saves, helping Cal State Dominguez Hills tie the match at one set apiece.
Stanislaus State captured the third set, but the Toros responded in the fourth set by building an early lead and holding off a late Stanislaus rally. Kyle Leopard was key with a match-high nine blocks, including a crucial kill and block to secure the fourth set. Anna Sanzaro added four service aces, contributing to a total of 12 aces by the Toros during the match.
In the decisive fifth set, Cal State Dominguez Hills seized an early 6-1 lead and managed to maintain control despite a late push by Stanislaus State. Carvo’s final kill set up match point, and a subsequent attack error from Stanislaus State sealed the win for the Toros.
Cal State Dominguez Hills will look to build on this momentum as they travel to Menlo College for their next match on September 18.
CSB Take
Getting the first win after a challenging start is a crucial milestone for the Cal State Dominguez Hills women’s volleyball team. The balanced offensive effort, consistent serving, and strong defensive play showcased in this match demonstrate the team’s potential in the competitive CCAA. This victory should bolster the players’ confidence and could serve as a springboard for improved performances in the remainder of the season.
Source: Original report
