It was a close match from start to finish, though the record will show that fourth-ranked Concordia swept the No. 15-ranked Sea Lions 3-0 Saturday afternoon in Golden Gym (25-22, 25-22 , 25- 21). Every set came down to the wire but the visiting Eagles pulled each out.

The two Golden State Athletic Conference squads split the season series, as earlier in the year PLNU edged then second-ranked CUI in five sets.

The loss drops PLNU to 18-10 overall, 8-10 in GSAC play. The Eagles improved to 25-5, 13-5 GSAC.

A flu bug and injuries limited the home team Green and Gold to suiting just 10 players against CUI. One of the players that was in uniform was senior setter Kylie Morel, who was competing in her final home match -barring PLNU hosting a NAIA Opening Round National Tournament tilt.

The team honored Morel prior to game time, mentioning career accomplishments over her outstanding three-year career. Teammates also spoke about Morel's leadership and her walk with Christ. Morel had another solid all-around game, producing 17 assists, 12 digs, two total blocks and four kills.

The Eagles claimed the first set 25-22 after breaking away from an 18-all tie. The final two sets mirrored the first: PLNU led for much time but CUI would slowly gain momentum and claim the crucial late points.

Both teams hit well, CUI .308 and PLNU .273. The Eagles had advantages in blocks (6-3), digs (55-50), assists (45-39) and aces (6-3).

Tabitha Henken led the Sea Lions with 16 kills and also had 10 digs. Chelsea Joanou contributed eight kills and two total blocks and Maddie Dahms had seven kills and nine digs. Nicole Eiler dug out 11 and Natalie Hamill added 20 assists.

CUI was paced by 19 kills and 10 digs from Stephanie Darnell.

The Sea Lions play their final two regular season games on the road. On Tuesday they will be at Vanguard and then travel to Biola on Saturday.