San Rafael, Calif. - Clarice Buchanan set both career and school records for a five set match with 39 digs and the Concordia University Irvine women's volleyball team stormed back from an 0-2 deficit to shock the Dominican Penguins, 3-2.

Buchanan's total beat the previous record for most digs in a five set match by six.

"We were definitely motivated that it was our last away game and we wanted to end on a win," said Buchanan. "We have been on a losing streak and wanted to prove not only to our coaches but ourselves that we could do it."

A few more players would achieve career records as well. Renae Ross was solid at the net with seven blocks. Junior Julia DenBoer had 19 digs during the match along with 11 kills, while Hannah Tostado added 12 kills with a hitting percentage of .600. During the five set match, Ailsa Watson dished out 37 assists, a new career-high for her as well. 

The Eagles came out strong with Watson at the back line to serve two aces and take a 4-0 lead. The Penguins would quickly retaliate and tie the game at four all. The score remained close until the Penguins broke away, taking a 12-16 lead. The Eagles would take a timeout as the Penguins continue to stay in the lead by a close 22-23. A kill from Cambria Fernandez tied the set at 23 all. The Penguins got two kills and would finish the set with a score 23-25. 

In the second set, the two teams would battle it out as the score would continue to go back and forth. As the Eagles broke away, the Penguins continued to rally back, going on runs that would keep the score within a couple points. A couple hitting errors from the Penguins would have the Eagles go up 20-16, forcing the Penguins to take a timeout. Hitting errors from the Penguins kept the Eagles in the game, until an ace would finish the game by a close score 26-28. 

The third and fourth sets were yet again hard fought battles between the two teams. Concordia would take the lead early, while Dominican would slowly inch their way back. Concordia was able to push through both sets, defeating Dominican 25-23 each time and forcing the Penguins to a fifth set. 

Starting out 0-2 in the match, the Eagles forced the Penguins to a fifth set. The Eagles continued to keep their one point lead throughout the set, not letting up. A kill from DenBoer forced the Penguins to take a timeout at 14-12. Once again, DenBoer was able to finish the match off with a kill, beating Dominican 15-13. 

"After going 0-2 and putting in Julia (DenBoer), we really started grooving and clicking," said head coach Paula Weishoff.  "We made a few more plays, settled down, and were able to execute the game plan. It was a lot of fun to watch as we made a great comeback and came together as a team."

The Eagles will play Academy of the Art back in the CU arena on Friday, November 9th at 7 p.m.