AZUSA, Calif. - After struggling to close out sets and matches earlier this season, the Point Loma volleyball team put it all together to earn an impressive five-set victory on the road at Azusa Pacific, 25-20, 25-15, 16-25, 20-25 and 15-12, on Wednesday, Apr. 14.
 
PLNU received quality performances throughout their lineup as four Sea Lions registered nine or more kills. Freshman Amy Buffini led the way putting down a career-high 14 kills with just four errors (.263 hitting%) while digging 16 balls. Madie Fox returned to the court after a two-match absence and had 12 kills while leading the team with a .300 hitting percentage. Alexis Soncrant had 11 kills, just one off her career-high. Rachael Schlect barely missed a double-double with nine kills and 21 digs. Claire Smith had a great match from her setter position with 39 assists, 13 digs, seven kills, and a team-leading seven blocks. Courtney Dyer added a season-best 30 digs.
 
After Point Loma took the first two sets, Azusa Pacific responded with wins in the third and fourth sets to push the match to a decisive fifth set. In the final set, PLNU scored eight of the first 11 points and continued to add on until it was 13-5. Azusa Pacific then hit a run outscoring PLNU 7-1 during the stretch to make it 14-12. However, Point Loma did not falter in the face of adversity and Claire Smith found Alexis Soncrant on the outside, as she went right down the line for the match-winning kill.
 
Team Records
Point Loma (2-3, 2-3 PacWest) Azusa Pacific (6-3, 2-3 PacWest)
 
Scoring Summary
Set 1: PLNU 25, APU 20
Set 2: PLNU 25, APU 15
Set 3: APU 25, PLNU 16
Set 4: APU 25, PLNU 20
Set 5: PLNU 15, APU 12
 
News and notes
> This was PLNU's first win at Azusa Pacific since Sept. 17, 2016
> Both of Point Loma's wins this season have come on the road
> The victory snaps a three-game losing skid for the Sea Lions

Up Next
Point Loma will close out its season next Wednesday (Apr. 21) at home against Concordia. The match will begin at 5 p.m. in Golden Gym.