SIOUX CITY, Iowa - Point Loma Nazarene rallied from a two games to one deficit to defeat Black Hills State on the third and final day of pool play at the NAIA National Volleyball Tournament at the Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena on Thursday.
The Sea Lions from San Diego, Calf., won the first game 25-23, but BHSU took the next two games 25-20,
25-23. The Golden State Athletic Conference team won the fourth game 25-18, forcing a fifth and deciding game. PLNU then won the match, claiming a 15-13 triumph in the final game.
"It stings because we came so close," said BHSU coach Jhett Albers. "We got behind in the first, fourth and fifth games. When somebody gets up on you, it's hard to battle back."
With the win, Point Loma Nazarene advanced to the field of 12 in today's single elimination tournament. Seven of the remaining 12 teams are members of the Golden State Athletic Conference.
BHSU faced a 3-0 disadvantage in the first game. A kill spike by Maggie O'Neill presented the Lady Jackets with a 15-14 lead. Owning a 17-14 edge, BHSU watched the Sea Lions rattle off seven of the next 10 points. A kill by Kristin Engle knotted the score at 21-all. Point Loma then claimed the lead for good.
BHSU evened the match at one game apiece, taking a
25-20 win in the second game.
In the third game, the Lady Jackets fought back from a 17-15 deficit. A block by Kayla Haines gave BHSU a 21-20 lead. After being tied at 21 and 22, a kill by Engle presented the Green and Gold with the permanent lead.
PLNU enjoyed a 12-4 lead, en route to a 25-18 win in the fourth game.
The Lady Jackets fell behind 4-0 in the final game. A kill by Engle shaved the deficit to 10-8. However, the Sea Lions responded, taking a 14-10 edge. BHSU battled back to within 14-13, but the California team salted the game away with match point.
"Point Loma packed their defense in on Engle," said Albers. "They didn't stop her, but they contained her. They made us adjust some things."
Tabitha Henken slammed home 16 kills for PLNU. Zoe Beltz and Sheriess Peters collected 13 and 11 kills, respectively. Peters had four assisted and two solo blocks. Kylie Morel provided 44 set assists. Henken and Morel each served a pair of aces.
O'Neill led BHSU with 20 kills, followed by Engle with 13 and Haines with 10. Mandy Brumfield chipped in 46 set assists. Carina Sweet and Annie Grim tallied 23 and 21 digs, respectively.
Grim is the lone senior on this year's Lady Jackets' roster.
"Annie is a class act, both on and off the court," said Albers. "She is a true team player."
