Box Score SAN DIEGO - The Point Loma middle blockers dominated this Pacific West Conference match, combining to hit .480 with 28 kills, in a 25-20, 25-21 and 25-18 sweep of Azusa Pacific on Saturday, Oct. 25.
The senior middle blocker
Alyssa Dwyer had a ridiculous .609 hitting percentage with 14 kills and no errors in 23 attempts to help PLNU (13-9, 10-4 PacWest) defeat its longtime rival. The freshman middle blocker
Bethany Mandon posted 14 kills and just four errors in 27 attempts to hit .370. No other student-athlete from either team had double-figure kills.
"We worked really hard the last week getting the middles going in different situations and tonight it paid off," said Point Loma head coach Jon Scott.
In addition to the offensive prowess of their middles on offense the Sea Lions had a distinct advantage at the net on defense as well, outblocking the Cougars 9-4. Dwyer led the way with five blocks and Mandon chipped in with three.
Savannah Wedemeyer had 37 assists in the three-set contest. She also had two of the Sea Lions seven aces.
Christin Fisher paced Point Loma with 15 digs.
Delaney McCraney added 14 digs and
Heather Leavitt had seven kills and 12 digs.
The first set was back-and-forth with eight tie scores and a pair of lead changes, but after the opening set the Sea Lions always seemed in control of the match en route to the sweep and their third straight win over Azusa Pacific.
"This match (with Azusa Pacific) is always big no matter how much we try to downplay it," said coach Scott. "I am proud of the women for being able to stay focused on the game."
The loss was the fourth straight for Azusa Pacific which fell to 11-11 on the season (7-6 PacWest). Ashley Midland led the Cougars with seven kills.
The Sea Lions' next match will be Wednesday, Oct. 29 at California Baptist starting at 7:00 p.m. The Sea Lions currently lead the Lancers (13-8, 9-4 PacWest) by just one spot for fourth place in the PacWest standings.
