The Sacramento State volleyball team lost its home opener to the University of the Pacific Wednesday night three sets to one at Colberg Court.

The Hornets (3-2) had only one day to prepare for the game against Pacific — which was the Tigers second straight victory (25-14, 23-25, 25-18, 25-15) of the year — after returning from a tournament in New York this past weekend where Sac State went 3-1.

“We could’ve won all four games in New York,” senior outside hitter Shannon Boyle said. “It was definitely a good experience and a good start to our season.”

The Tigers led the game with a fast paced offense, but the Hornets were able to slow it down in the second set by a series of well targeted serves.  

“They hit lights out and we needed to put a little more pressure on them,” senior setter Kennedy Kurtz said. “We could not pass that well tonight.”

Height played a factor in the game as eight players who were six feet or taller made up the Tigers 12 person roster. This led to a game high of 24 blocks for Pacific.

“Their hitters were able to hit around us really easily,” Sac State assistant coach John Fluette said. “When they had gaps in the block, they were able to hit many parts of the court which gave our defense a big problem.”

The Hornets were led by junior outside hitter Mikaela Nocetti with 15 kills and senior libero Brigitte Murdock posted a team high of 15 digs. Junior middle blocker Lana Brown, who earned the first Big Sky Conference Player of the Week award Monday, added seven kills for the Hornets.

Sac State will compete in the Boise State Invitational this weekend before playing in the Causeway Classic at UC Davis Tuesday at 7 p.m.

“I’m just hoping we can keep going this next weekend and put this game in the back of our heads,” Kurtz said.