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RIVERSIDE (Dec. 1, 2017) — Unranked CSUSB faced an arduous challenge in its West Regional semifinal match against top-ranked and unbeaten Cal Baptist on Friday night.
The Coyotes played the underdog role to their complete advantage with a dominant effort.
CSUSB outplayed the host Lancers in a 3-1 victory (25-21, 17-25, 25-21, 25-22) and will play for the West Region title for the 16
th time in the last 18 years Saturday night against second-seed Western Washington at CBU.
"Tonight was an electric night where we received so many big efforts from everyone on the court,'' said head coach
Kim Cherniss. "We were up to the challenge and defeated a very good team that is well coached in as great a college atmosphere as you'll find.''
West Region Player of the Year
Lauren Nicholson keyed the Coyotes with 16 kills and 13 digs. She added two service aces along with two block assists. Fellow outside hitter
Alexis Cardoza added 12 kills along with eight digs and an ace.
However, the Coyotes' middle blocker trio of freshman
Lydia Morohunfola (14 kills),
Hailey Jackson (11) and
Sascha Dominique (seven) gave the Lancers (29-1) troubles through all four sets.
CSUSB hit .288 on the night and was set up nicely all night long by setter
Jayann DeHoog's 50 assists.
The victory places the Coyotes into the West Region final against a foe they have seen before with the title on the line. It is the third time the two teams have played with an Elite Eight berth on the line with the Vikings winning both times (2007 and 2015).
Nicholson, who turns 22 Saturday, became only the third Coyote in school history with 1,000 career digs and kills with her 13 digs. Freshaman
Leilia To'omalatai came up big time and again defensively with a team-high 14 digs.
CSUSB is 6-9 all-time in regional finals. The Coyotes' titles were: 2003-04, 2008-11.
Coyote note: This is the second time in school history the Coyotes defeated an undefeated team in the West Region semis. CSUSB face an unbeaten team in Cal State L.A. in 2000 and earned a 3-2 victory over the Golden Eagles in L.A.
