The Point Loma Nazarene University Sea Lions displayed their dominance during the Labor Day weekend, winning the tenth annual Seaside Invitational Tournament at PLNU.
The Sea Lions swept through the competition, winning three sets to none in each of the four games of the tournament.
“We played well last weekend and had competition in the tournament against Madonna University and we’ll play a good team this weekend against No. 4 Concordia,” said PLHS coach Aurora Salas.
PLNU opened with a clean 3-0 sweep over Golden State Athletic Conference rival Hope International Royals, the Madonna University Crusaders and the Dominican University Penguins.
Salas’ squad is off to a strong start (7-1) for the 2007 season. Prior to the Seaside Invitational, the Sea Lions won the Westminster Tournament in Salt Lake City the week before, defeated the defending NAIA Champion and first-ranked National American University (South Dakota) 3-2 in the opening game.
“We didn’t play them before but we knew they were good. I knew if we just played our game and cut down on errors we would have a chance. The win gave us a chance to see where we are as a team,” Salas said.
PLNU returns half of its roster from last season, including seniors Natalie Acklin, Amy Worgull and Connie Irwin; juniors Christy Dueck, Melissa Boer and sophomore Kylie Morel. Acklin, a middle blocker, had 93 blocks and 262 kills last year. Boer, an outside hitter, had 384 kills and 429 digs.
“I think the players that came back are all strong athletes with experience,” Salas said. “And the new players we have have made an immediate impact, which has improved the level of our game. They play well together.”
The new faces on the roster are Idaho State transfers Zoe Beltz, Amanda Bevens and Vanguard University’s Jen Michaelson. The freshman class includes Point Loma High School graduate Tori Anderson, along with Brittany Acklin, Jillian Doornbus, Hannah Haskell, Shannon Johnson and Jill Konderik. Anderson is a red-shirt freshman.
“We are trying to develop her (Anderson) skills and get her ready for next year,” Salas said.
Salas and assistant coach Michelle West are in their fourth year with the PLNU women’s volleyball team. Salas has posted a 56-46 overall record, along with two straight winning seasons and two playoff appearances.