The Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) volleyball team is bracing to regain consistency and momentum as it enters the second half of its Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) schedule. “I think we are doing well, but we are a young team and have to learn how to play more consistent,” said PLNU head volleyball coach Rochelle Short. Short is in her second year as head coach after leading the Sea Lions to a 22-1 record and playoff appearance in her first season. She played volleyball at PLNU from 2001 to 2003. The Sea Lions (15-5, 5-5) began the year with 11 consecutive victories but have been consistently inconsistent against the first half of the GSAC schedule. PLNU has won three of four road GSAC contests, but the team has dropped four of six GSAC games at home. “We have a young team that needs to play at a higher standard and need to get better execution and consistency both at home and away,” Short said. The GSAC is typically one of the stronger conferences in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, and this year is no different, with seven teams ranked in the top 25. “We have done many great things this year, but there are tough games coming up,” Short said. The Sea Lions’ roster includes seven freshmen, four sophomores, one junior and one senior. Kylie Morel, the lone senior on the team and its starting setter, adds her perspective to compare this year’s team with the previous PLNU teams she has competed for. “We have a lot of athleticism and youth,” said Morel. “We have an average of four freshmen on the court at any given time.” Morel also believes the team needs to strive for more consistency. “I think the reason for the inconsistent play is that it is a big change for our freshmen because they have to play their best game twice every week,” Morel said. Sophomore outside hitter Tabitha Henken is optimistic about the remainder of the season. “We are a young team and have had many high points during the year,” she said. “We look forward to the second half of the conference schedule. We will be highly competitive and have done great so far.” Henken was named San Diego Hall of Champions player of the month for September. Henken also believes the competition is good preparation for the nationals. “To play in the GSAC, you need to be focused and mentally/physically prepared for every game and can’t take any team for granted,” Henken said. Point Loma will begin play in the second half of the GSAC schedule Friday and Saturday with road games against Fresno Pacific and The Master’s College before returning home on Tuesday to face Cal Baptist.