The Sonoma State women’s volleyball team entered last week off to the best mark in school history at 14-1 and it was also riding a 10-game winning streak, which tied a school record.

The Seawolves’ success was no mirage. Their wins over then-No. 15 Cal State Los Angeles and No. 25 Chico State proved their legitimacy.

SSU, which last had a winning season in 2004, is clearly better. But last week showed there’s still a ways to go before greatness is achieved.

The Seawolves went on the road and lost in four sets to No. 19 Cal Poly Pomona before getting swept by second-ranked Cal State San Bernardino.

SSU coach Bear Grassl said his up-and-coming team was pushed around by some big-time programs.

“We’re a little bit of a counter-puncher,” Grassl said. “And when we play against teams that are as physical as the ones we were playing, we’re going to get a bit of a bloody nose.”

Despite the losses, the Seawolves are in second place in the CCAA and are positioned to reach the NCAA Division II Tournament.

Their next big test arrives Friday night when they visit third-place UC San Diego, which is ranked No. 15 in the country.