IRVINE, Calif. - The Point Loma volleyball team dropped a road match at Concordia by the smallest of margins, losing all three sets by two points apiece, including two in extra points, 28-26, 26-24 and 25-23. (Mar. 31)
 
Point Loma had its best opportunity in the first set when it went in front 24-20 and looked to be on the verge of taking the early lead in the match. The Eagles responded scoring four straight points to push the set to extras. PLNU had two more chances to win it at 25-24 and 26-25 but each time CUI countered, and eventually won the set by posting three straight points.
 
The second set was the Sea Lions' turn to rally from behind as they overcame a 20-16 deficit and tied the match at 24-24. However, CUI was able to rattle off two straight points thereafter to win the set 26-24 and take a 2-0 lead. The third set was another close one, and it looked like it might go to extra points again after PLNU scored two straight to cut the Eagles' lead to 24-23, but CUI was able to get a block on the Sea Lions' tying kill attempt to win the set and the match.
 
Freshman Bailey Williams led PLNU with seven kills and 27 attempts. Rachael Schlect had her best match of the season with six kills and just one error for a .333 hitting percentage. Tate Duane added five kills and three blocks. Courtney Dyer posted a match-high 16 digs, and Claire Smith and Williams chipped in with 11 digs apiece. Kirra Schulz had 13 kills to pace the Eagles.

Team Records
Point Loma (1-2, 1-2 PacWest) Concordia (2-2, 1-2 PacWest)
 
Words from coach Jonathan Scott
On lessons learned from the match: "We gotta handle the small stuff better because that one messy play can be the difference in a deuce set."
 
Scoring Summary
Set 1: CUI 28, PLNU 26
Set 2: CUI 26, PLNU 24
Set 3: CUI 25, PLNU 23
 
News and notes
> The Sea Lions were without the services of two of their opening day starters (Madie Fox & Torina Hommes) due to injury
> Freshman Amy Buffini is now hitting .458 on the season with 13 kills and just two errors (24 attempts)
> PLNU stayed in the match despite hitting just .019 percent and CUI having a plus-18 advantage in kills

Up Next
Point Loma will return home to host Biola on Wednesday, Apr. 7 at 5 p.m. This will begin the second half of the abbreviated season for the Sea Lions.