CARSON, Calif.--For University of Hawaii Hilo volleyball fans, the third time wasn't exactly a charm.

For the third time in five matches, the Vulcans went five sets before a verdict could be decided, this time falling just short during a 25-19, 16-25, 25-16, 18-25, 15-6 loss to Humboldt State in the final match of the D2 West Region Volleyball Showcase, hosted by Cal State Dominguez Hills.

The Vuls will head back to the Big Island with a 2-3 record (they are 1-2 in five-settlers). The Lumberjacks are now 5-3 on the year. Coincidentally, they are 3-0 in full-length outcomes in 2016. 

All five sets were distinctly owned by one team or the other.

In set one, HSU broke a 14-14 tie by winning 11 of the final 16 points. In the second set, the Vulcans led from start to finish, building a 19-7 lead before settling for the 25-16 win. The 'Jacks overcame an 8-3 deficit in the third set and dominated down the backside of set three (25-16) to take a 2-1 lead. In the fourth, UHH broke a 13-13 deadlock with three straight points and never trailed after that (25-18).

In the fifth, HSU finished with a flourish. Breaking a 4-4 tie, the CCAA squad rolled off 10 straight points, using strong net play and an aggressive outside attack. They closed out with a 15-6 finale.

Marley Strand-Nicolaisen led the Vulcans with 12 kills, followed closely by Siera Green's 10. Sienna Davis had 33 assists and 19 digs, while Katrina Johnson had four block assists. Symone Hayden led HSU with 17 kills.

The Vulcans will now prep for their Pacific West Conference opener next Saturday (Sept. 17) at BYU-Hawaii. Start time in Laie is 7 p.m.