SAN DIEGO - The Point Loma volleyball team fed off the energy in the crowd and on the court tonight to take down Azusa Pacific in straight sets on the team's annual Dig Pink Night. The Cougars entered the match undefeated in PacWest play, but the Sea Lions had their number tonight.
Madie Fox paced everyone in the match with 16 kills and a .500 hitting percentage.
Torina Hommes added 13 kills, and
Grace Hicks chipped in with nine and also matched Fox with a .500 hitting percentage.
Cara Keturakis dished out 38 assists in the three sets, and
Courtney Dyer had 16 digs. Julianne Miller led APU with nine kills.
The Sea Lions jumped on the Cougars in the very first set, and never let their foot off the gas. PLNU established itself in the first set as both Fox and Hommes had six kills to lift Point Loma to the 25-21 set win. Then in the second set, the Sea Lions used an early 8-0 run to take a 12-5 lead and never looked back.
The third set offered more of a challenge as APU led most of the way, including at 17-12. The Sea Lions and their fans did not flinch at the deficit though. The crowd remained locked in and loud, and PLNU fought back to cut it to 21-20. The teams then exchanged points, and APU took the lead at 24-22. The Sea Lions answered with three straight points to take the advantage at 25-24. After Azusa tied it at 25-25, PLNU got another kill from Fox and an attacking error from the Cougars to close out the set and complete the sweep.
Team Records
Point Loma (12-6, 8-2 PacWest), Azusa Pacific (13-3, 7-1 PacWest)
PacWest Implications
The win helps PLNU keep pace with the leaders atop the PacWest standings. Point Loma's current 8-2 record has them tied for fourth place with Hawaii Hilo. The loss for APU means only Chaminade (10-0) remains unbeaten in PacWest play.
Words from coach Jonathan Scott and the student-athletes
Scoring Summary
Set 1: PLNU 25, APU 21
Set 2: PLNU 25, APU 16
Set 3: PLNU 27, APU 25
News and Notes
> This was the fifth straight sweep for PLNU
> Point Loma only outhit APU in one of the three sets
> Azusa Pacific swept the Sea Lions earlier this season (Sept. 21)
> Point Loma has played just three sets in 14 of 18 matches (10-4)
> The Sea Lions also defeated the Cougars are home last year when APU won the conference
Up Next
Point Loma will return to the road as it heads to Hawaii for three matches next week. PLNU will face Hawaii Hilo on Wednesday, Oct. 23, Hawaii Pacific on Friday, Oct. 25 and Chaminade on Saturday, Oct. 26.
