California Baptist University
Azusa Pacific
On Hold
11/16/2012 4:16:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
CBU now is forced to wait on the at-large bid announcements early next week to see if its season will continue its season at the NCCAA National Tournament. The Lancers are currently the seventh ranked team in the NCCAA.
"We really struggled out of the gate and never got it going," said CBU Head Coach Branden Higa. "APU played a great match; you have to give them credit. They probably played one of their best matches of the year. Seeing each other that much, and as recently as we did, makes it really tough to get three straight wins against a good team."
The Lancers had won the previous two meetings between the teams this season, taking a 3-0 victory just two weeks ago at home.
After the teams split the first two sets, CBU never was able to find the rhythm it needed to get the win.
The Lancers made an early run in the fourth game after falling behind 5-0, scoring eight straight points and getting the crowd on its feet.
CBU couldn't keep the momentum on its side, however, as the Cougars battled back to take an 11-10 lead. APU would score six straight to go up 13-10. The Lancers would trail the rest of the way.
Jackie Landers led the way for the Cougars, posting a match high 23 kills on 55 attempts. APU outhit the Lancers .253-.179.
CBU had three players in double figures with Malika O'Brien posting 11 kills, and Ingrid Carmona and Faith Steinwedell putting up 10 each. Haley Musulman led all players with 17 digs.
The Lancers are now 19-8 on the season, while APU improves to 22-8. The Cougars move on to face top-seeded Fresno Pacific in the West Regional Final on Saturday.
"I think our team still has a lot of volleyball left in them," said Higa. "The girls definitely aren't done. There's a desire there to keep going and we feel we still have a lot left to prove. It's tough, but now we just have to wait and see."
