by annie miller staff writer

In the past two weeks, the volleyball team has played four matches and has lost three. On Tuesday, Oct. 18, the team battled NAIA No. 2-ranked Concordia University in Golden Gymnasium. PLNU put up a good fight but lost 1-3 (21-25, 25-17, 16-25, 27-29. After easily handling the second game 25-17, it seemed like the Sea Lions had a good chance. However, a lopsided third set didn’t do them any favors. PLNU forced Concordia to a 29-point fourth set, but it wasn’t enough to snag a win.

The following Saturday would have the same result, with the Sea Lions falling 1-3 to No. 7-ranked Azusa Pacific University (28-30, 25-15, 23-25, 18-25). PLNU posted more lopsided scores much like at the Concordia match earlier in the week. The Sea Lions had a chance to claim the opening set and possibly use that momentum to their advantage when the game was 24-22. However, the No. 17-ranked Sea Lions squandered the golden opportunity and lost the set 28-30. After squashing the Cougars by 10 points in the second set, they were unable to win any other sets and lost the match.

On Oct. 25, the Sea Lions were singing a much sweeter tune after sweeping Vanguard on the road (25-17, 25-19, 25-21). After three straight losses, the victory over the Lions was crucial.

On Oct. 29, the Sea Lions lost 2-3 to The Master’s College (16-25, 22-25, 30-28, 25-16, 11-15). After trailing 2-0, the Sea Lions rallied to force the match into a deciding fifth set, but after tangoing in the final game, the Mustangs finally finished the match with a four-point lead. Loma hit just .149 and recorded 18 service errors and 29 attack errors. Tabitha Henken had 21 kills and 12 digs. Alyssa Dwyer had 12 kills and five blocks, and Aimee Bird put up 41 assists. TMC outdug the Sea Lions 67 to 49. PLNU dropped to 6-8 in the GSAC.

PLNU will host Biola on Tuesday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m. in Golden Gymnasium.