SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Utah State volleyball opened its weekend of competition at the Bay Area Invitational Friday, falling to San Francisco in three sets (22-25, 18-25, 22-25).


The Aggies kept things close in each set, tying the score several times throughout the match, but were never able to take the lead.


Freshman outside hitter Hailey Cuff led the USU attack Friday, hitting .289. She tallied 15 kills in the match, a career-best for her, and the second-most of any Aggie in a contest this season. Freshman outside Madi Brunatti joined Cuff in double-figure kills with 12, tying her season high. Senior setter Heidi Carpenter also had a career night, adding a career-best 30 assists.


As a team, Utah State hit .240 (38-13-104) on the night, a season-best performance. San Francisco hit .309 (48-14-11) overall. The Aggies led the match in blocks for the fifth time this season, putting up seven to the Dons' six. Junior middle blocker Bailey Downing led the team with five.


USU returns to Bay Area Invitational action on Saturday with a pair of matches at Saint Mary's. The Aggies will take on Cornell at noon (MT), followed by a meeting with the host-Gaels at 8 p.m.


Season tickets for the 2019 volleyball season are now on sale. General admission season ticket packages are available for $27, while all Utah State faculty and staff can buy a season ticket for $22. Single-match tickets for the season will be $6 for adults and $3 for youth. Tickets can be purchased through the USU Ticket Office in person, online, or over the phone at 1-888-USTATE-1 or (435) 797-0305.


Fans can follow the Aggie volleyball program on Twitter, @USUVolleyball, on Facebook at /USUVolleyball or on Instagram, @usuvolleyball. Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program on Twitter, @USUAthletics, Facebook at /USUAthletics and on Instagram, @USUAthletics.