SAN DIEGO - The Point Loma volleyball team dropped its contest against Azusa Pacific in three sets on Wednesday (Mar. 24), 25-23, 25-22, and 25-22, in a match that was much closer than the final score would indicate.
 
The Sea Lions were the first team to reach 20 points in each set but they were just unable to get those final clutch points to earn the wins. In the opening set, PLNU went up 22-19 after never trailing in the set. However, APU rattled off five straight points late to take the lead (24-22). Point Loma's Alexis Soncrant broke the run with a kill, but APU answered back with a kill of their own to win the set.
 
The second set was even tighter as the team exchanged points before a kill by Amy Buffini put PLNU up 22-21. The Cougars then made a 4-0 run to close out the set with a win. The third set was similar to the first as PLNU held a 21-19 lead before Azusa Pacific scored five straight, and then the teams exchanged points with the Cougars coming out on top.
 
Freshmen Anna Massari and Amy Buffini highlighted the Sea Lions' performances, which had many bright spots. Massari led the team with nine kills and seven blocks. She hit .353 and posted a match-best 12.5 points. Buffini registered an impressive .538 hitting percentage as she put down eight kills with just one error. Claire Smith added six kills and 21 assists. Courtney Dyer led all student-athletes with 21 digs.
 
Team Records
Point Loma (1-1, 1-1 PacWest) Azusa Pacific (4-0, 2-0 PacWest)
 
Words from coach Jonathan Scott and Amy Buffini

Scoring Summary
Set 1: APU 25, PLNU 23
Set 2: APU 25, PLNU 22
Set 3: APU 25, PLNU 22
 
News and notes
> The match featured 34 ties and 19 lead changes
> Nearly all the stats were the same for both teams but APU capitalized on six more errors by PLNU and four more service aces
> This was the first win for Azusa Pacific in Golden Gym since 2017
> No student-athlete on either team posted double-figure kills in the match
> APU had seven service aces to PLNU's three
> Four Sea Lions posted six kills or more

Up Next
Point Loma will be on the road again next Wednesday, Mar. 31 to face Concordia at 7 p.m. This will complete the Sea Lions' first circle through the PacWest SoCal Pod in this abbreviated season.