[Box score] [Photo gallery] [Cal State LA postgame] [Chaminade postgame] [Replay]

For the first time since 2005, Cal State LA volleyball can call themselves NCAA Regional Champions! The No. 3 seeded Golden Eagles swept the No. 8 seed Chaminade in the finals 29-27, 25-22, and 25-14 to bring the title back to LA for the second time in program history.
 
Emily Elliott was one of three Cal State LA student-athletes who reached double-figures in kills in just three sets. The sophomore had 16 kills to go along with three aces. Ashley Dittmann and Iane Henke each posted double-doubles in the finals. Dittmann hit. .360 with 11 kills and a match-high 16 digs. She also led the Golden Eagles with five blocks. Iane Henke posted 10 kills and 13 digs to record her 11th double-double of the season. Haley Roundtree added four blocks and four kills without an error.
 
Brooklen Pe'a was the only Silversword to reach double-figures in kills (10). The Golden Eagles held them in check all night, outhitting Chaminade by over 100 points (.281 to .180) and outblocking them 15-8.
 
While the final score and the sweep might make it appear that the victory came easy for the Golden Eagles, it was anything but easy.
 
Cal State LA led most of the first set and went in front 24-21. Chaminade answered with four straight points and had Golden Eagles facing game-point at 25-24. The teams continued trading points until three consecutive Silversword errors gave Cal State LA a 3-0 spurt and the opening set win.
 
The second set was much the same, with LA holding a slight lead coming down the stretch. However, this time Chaminade would not get a late run to tie the match. A kill from Elliott off an assist from Jaden Grova sealed the set.
 
The Golden Eagles' constant pressure and defense at the net finally seemed to catch up with the Silverswords in the third set. The teams traded points early before LA went on a 10-2 run to seize control of the match at 18-9. The Golden Eagles closed out the match on a kill from Henke and an error by the Silverswords.
 
The Elite Eight awaits the Golden Eagles. They will travel back to Washington to play in the NCAA Championships hosted by Seattle Pacific beginning on Dec. 1.