SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Concordia University Irvine women's volleyball team traveled down the coast to play against Point Loma. Last time these two teams competed it went to the Sea Lions in five and the Golden Eagles are looking for a win. CUI took the win as it was no easy task with final scores 21-25, 25-23, 22-25, 25-20, and 15-13.
 
Blocking was a key factor for the Golden Eagles as Jalyssa Sanchez led CUI with seven blocks along with three solo blocks. Cassie Prior was alongside Sanchez as she put up seven blocks and one solo. Prior also continued offensively as she had 12 kills and three aces along the way. Both Sanchez and Prior set career-high in blocks tonight against Point Loma. Other middle Halli Hooks contributed with five blocks and two solo.
 
The PacWest player of the week Kirra Schulz had another solid performance finishing with a double-double of 19 kills and 13 digs. Ola Magiera added 10 kills and two blocks with Kennedy Farley putting up six kills and an impressive 14 digs from the back.
 
Libero Julia Wilson recorded 13 digs and five assists during the match while Cassidy Gelacio came into the back row and had six digs and an ace. Both setters stood out tonight defensively as Michelle Feliciano had 20 assists along with 11 digs while Devin Sivertson dished out 19 assists and 14 digs.
 
The first set was a close match-up as the two teams battled back-and-forth for the majority of the set. A kill from Farley gave the Golden Eagles a two point edge over the Sea Lions. After three consecutive points went to PLNU, CUI took a timeout but the Sea Lions were able to close out the set by a close 25-21 score. The second set was no different as the scoreboard continued to sway on both sides until CUI took a comfortable 24-20 lead but Point Loma was able to bring the final score within just two.
 
The Sea Lions took an early lead in the third and with three errors that brought the Golden Eagles within a couple points but Point Loma was able to finish 25-22. The Golden Eagles needed to win the fourth to force a fifth set and they did just that by jumping out to an early lead and not allowing the Sea Lions to get back in the set.
 
The fifth set was a rubber match as both teams were fighting for the win until the end. Just as the Golden Eagles took a one point lead, the Sea Lions went on a four point run earned by kills. CUI earned the last three points by two hitting errors which included a block from Hooks and Magiera along with the final kill from Farley to finish 15-13.
 
The Golden Eagles move to 16-8 overall and 13-4 in PacWest play. CUI will be back in the CU Arena Friday, Nov 4 as they take on Fresno Pacific at 7 p.m.
 
To see the full CUI women's volleyball schedule click HERE.