TUCSON, Ariz. – The Wildcats fell in three sets (18-25, 19-25, 18-25) to Long Beach State on the opening night of the Wildcat Classic.
 
Jaelyn Hodge totaled nine kills and two blocks for Arizona. Jordan Wilson had seven kills and Sofia Maldonado Diaz recorded six kills. Nicole Briggs led Arizona's defense with three blocks.
 
Long Beach State won the first set, 18-25. Arizona's defense held the Beach to a .103 hitting percentage but LBSU served five aces to take Set 1. Wilson led the Wildcats with four kills and Hodge followed with three kills. Briggs tallied two of her three total blocks in the set.
 
The Cats lost the second set, 19-25. LBSU's defense held Arizona to a .000 hitting percentage to take a 2-0 lead in the match. Hodge recorded three of Arizona's seven kills in the set.
 
Arizona lost the match after losing the third set, 18-25. The Wildcats fell behind early in the set and couldn't catch the Beach who hit .424. Arizona only had eight kills in the set led by Hodge and Maldonado Diaz with three kills each. Ana Heath and Maldonado Diaz served one ace each but it wasn't enough for the Cats.
 
Arizona continues the Wildcat Classic on Friday, September 15 as the Wildcats take on New Mexico State at 6 p.m. MST in McKale Center.
 
Match Leaders
Kills: Jealyn Hodge – 9
Assists: Ana Heath – 21
Digs: Giorgia Mandotti – 9
Blocks: Nicole Briggs – 3