RIVERSIDE, Calif. - The No. 24 Point Loma volleyball team was close in all three sets, but each time California Baptist found a way to make a late run to win each set and take the match 27-25, 25-23 and 25-22 on Saturday, Sept. 26.
 
This was a battle between the teams picked to finish one-two in the preseason PacWest standings, according to the coaches' poll. The Sea Lions (6-5, 1-2 PacWest) played the Lancers (10-2, 3-1 PacWest) tight in each set. All three were tied at 21-21 or higher but PLNU found itself on the losing side each time.
 
"These are two good teams," said Point Loma head coach Jonathan Scott. "CBU made the final play each set. Unfortunately, we were unable to get the clutch point when needed."
 
Bethany Mandon shined in the middle for PLNU on the road. She had 12 kills and only four errors to register a .296 hitting percentage. She also added three blocks.
 
"Beth seems to shine against the better blocking teams," Scott noted.
 
Heather Leavitt led PLNU with 14 kills. She has led the Sea Lions in kills in all 11 matches this season. The senior also added 10 digs to post her eighth double-double of the season. Christin Fisher posted a match-high 19 digs and Savannah Wedemeyer added a match-high 37 assists.
 
Jenna Perry paced the Lancers with 13 kills (three errors) and a .385 hitting percentage. Lauren Marr also added 10 kills and Jordyn Siko had 37 assists.
 
California Baptist's real advantage came at the net were CBU outblocked PLNU 11-6. CBU also took advantage of the PLNU's mistakes as the Sea Lions posted 14 more hitting errors (34-20) than the Lancers.
 
The Sea Lions will have to bounce back quickly as they host Azusa Pacific this Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 7:00 p.m. as part of #BeatAPU Week. The Sea Lions will be looking to pack the house and break the all-time attendance record for a volleyball match at Golden Gym so put on your Green and Gold and come out and support your Sea Lions.
 
"APU is always a big one," said Scott. "We need to get ourselves over this week and into next week."