Nov. 22, 2008

Article courtesy of Point Loma Nazarene (Calif.) Sports Information Office

San Diego, Calif. - The NAIA No. 13-ranked Sea Lions dominated the University of St. Thomas to win in three sets (25-7, 25-28 and 25-13). Point Loma Nazarene advance to Sioux City, Iowa in the nationals tournament, to be held December 2-6. The Sea Lions improve to 19-9 overall and the Lady Celts end the season 22-11.
 
The Sea Lions front row teamed up for nine blocks, compared to only one for St. Thomas. Point Loma out-hit the visitors 47-25, out-assisted them 45-24 and out dug them 49-45.
 
The Lady Celts realized in the first set what they were up against by the home team that competes in the Golden State Athletic Conference, a conference that boasts seven of the NAIA top 25 teams, including the top three. 
 
The Sea Lions cycled through only five servers, with an 11-point run fueled by serving from Zoe Beltz and seven points aided by flawless serving from Melissa Boer to close it out 25-7.
 
St. Thomas fought back in the second, marking their only lead in the match at 1-0 and staying within striking distance until the set ended on an attack error from Celt Heather Hardy.
 
Leading 2-0 in the match, Point Loma Nazarene got off to an early 9-1 lead in the third. The Lady Celts picked up a few points along the way, but the Sea Lions walked away with the match and tickets to Iowa when Boer hit her final kill in Golden Gymnasium for the 25-13 sweep victory.
 
Tabitha Henken and Zoe Beltz led the court in kills with 13 apiece, followed by Melissa Boer and Christy Dueck, who each seven. Sheriess Peters contributed with five and Morel had two, in addition to 26 assists and 13 digs. Boer had 12 digs.
 
Lauren Poe led the St. Thomas offense with seven kills, followed by Catherine Loth with six. Sarah Curiel had 15 assists and 10 digs.