Arizona volleyball fell to the Cal State Northridge Matadors, losing in a 3-2 game (25-23, 25-22, 15-9) in their second match of the Wildcat Classic at McKale Center. T

“We gave them a lot of opportunities by making several unforced errors,” head coach Dave Rubio said.

The match was a back and forth as the Wildcats struggled to maintain possession of the ball, garnering 10 service errors and staggering both offensively and defensively after the second set.

“For this group everything is an experience, you hope and you wish that your team can fight and experience something like this and still win,” Rubio said. “Unfortunately that wasn’t the case and it was our first tough lesson learned.”

Sophomore outside hitters Madi Kingdon and Taylor Arizobal once again combined for 50 kills.

Freshman middle blocker Halli Amaro had a breakout game, including a swing off the slide back set connecting repeatedly with junior setter Chanel Brown (59 assists). Amaro totaled 9 kills and 5 digs in the match.

Rubio said he was very impressed with how well the team played in the first two sets.

Rachel Rhoades spent the last week recovering from a minor concussion but was cleared to play against Cal State Northridfe. The sophomore middle blocker made her first appearance late in the first set and immediately made an impact with a block in the next play. By the third set, she was back in the lineup.

“I look at my team and say we have great, wonderful potential but potential is one thing and developing it are two different things,” Rubio said.

The Wildcat Classic ends Saturday night with Arizona taking on Utah Valley at 7 p.m. at McKale Center.