IRVINE, Calif. – Five set wins are always special in volleyball. Comeback victories are also particularly sweet.

But the run the CUI Eagles went on to close out Saturday's epic match is something you rarely see – and will likely not see again for quite some time.

Concordia University Irvine trailed Point Loma 8-1 in the fifth and deciding set after the visiting Sea Lions rattled off eight points in a row.  CUI head coach Paula Weishoff used both her timeouts to get her team back on track, and the Eagles responded with a vengeance.

In a matter of minutes, CUI went on a jaw-dropping 14-2 run to stun the Sea Lions and emerge with a 15-10 win to take the match 3-2.

Daniela Poles fittingly capped off the rally with the game-clinching point.  Her 17 kills and .424 hitting percentage led the Green and Gold attack, while she also contributed 17 timely digs.

VIDEO – CLICK HERE to watch the final point as CUI stunned PLNU in five sets

CUI won the second and third sets by a count of 25-22 and 25-19 after falling behind in the first set and dropping that one 25-17.  A competitive fourth set went to the visitors 25-21 to setup the final stanza filled with drama.

Kirra Schulz produced a double-double with 20 digs and 11 kills while setter Brianna Latigue handed out a game-high 43 assists.

Hannah Tostado owned the net with nine blocks (seven solo!) and libero Cassidy Gelacio scooped up a team-high 22 digs.  Bi Le added 12 digs off the bench.  Patience O'Neal (eight kills) made an impact and Jalyssa Sanchez and Ola Magiera also combined for six blocks while guarding the net.

CUI improves to 8-3 overall and 3-1 in PacWest Conference play.  The Eagles head to Hawai'I next week to play three games against league opponents for the first time in two years. 

The next home game for your Eagles will be on Saturday, Oct. 16 at 5 p.m. against our rivals from Biola.  Please wear pink if you plan to come to the game, as we support the ongoing fight against Breast Cancer.

For the full CUI women's volleyball schedule, CLICK HERE.