Dec. 3, 2005

Defending Champ California Baptist Outlasts Madonna in Semifinal Match

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Defending national champion California Baptist University staved off third-seeded Madonna University (Mich.) in five games to advance to the championship match at the 26^th Annual NAIA Volleyball National Championship.  Being held on the beautiful campus of Point Loma Nazarene University, the tournament began with pool play on November 30. 

The No. 2 seed, Cal Baptist is looking to become the first repeat champion since Columbia College (Mo.) won two straight in 1998 and 1999.  The Lancers have a storied history at the championship, making their ninth appearance.  Two of those appearances resulted in title matches. 

The two teams have never met on the volleyball court, but that didn't appear evident as the teams play indicated they were very familiar with each other.  Evenly matched in most of the statistical categories, the difference came in passing receptions and serving aces.  Just when Madonna thought a shot would land, a Cal Baptist player would bet a touch on it to save the play. 

Behind the serves of Angela Willis, California Baptist took the match 26-30, 30-26, 30-28, 30-23, 15-8.  Willis set a new tournament record for most services aces as she has tallied 27 aces to date in the tournament.   The sophomore served up six in today's match to follow an eight-ace performance during pool play that broke the single-match record.

Yudelka Bonilla recorded 24 kills and 12 digs to lead the Lancers.  Yajaira Prado added 20 kills, 10 digs and two blocks in the victory.

Natalja Tinina did everything she could to give Madonna the extra boost to remain competitive, recording a match-high 25 kills and 17 digs. Ashley Frost had 65 assists in the defeat.  Madonna ends the season ranked #4 in the nation with a 48-2 record.  Both losses came in the national tournament.

Cal Baptist improves 33-5 and will defend its title against the winner of the Columbia College (Mo.) / Missouri Baptist University semifinal match.  The championship match is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. (Pacific) later today.   

Box Score