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LOS ANGELES - In a matchup of two regionally ranked teams, Cal Poly Pomona prevailed over Sonoma State, 25-21, 25-18, and 25-18, in the first round of the 2023 CCAA Volleyball Tournament. (Nov. 16)
 
Madison Novak registered a match-best 12 kills and only one error for a .440 hitting percentage. Her teammate Caitie Mueller found her on most of those kills. The setter's final assist was her 1,000th of the season, as she became the third Bronco to eclipse that mark in consecutive seasons. Daisy Duke added seven kills and Avery Percival finished with a match-best 14 digs.
 
Cal Poly Pomona recorded eight aces with only seven service errors in the three sets. Five Broncos had at least one ace, with Samantha Campion leading the way with three. CPP also won the battle at the net, recording eight blocks to SSU's five. Alexia Athans led all student-athletes with five assisted blocks.
 
Jaden Krist paced Sonoma State with 10 kills. She was one of five Seawolves to record at least five kills in the three-set match. Riley Beyma posted 11 digs, and Jen Trephan added eight.
 
The final score did not tell how the match started. The teams traded shots and points for most of the first set, and Sonoma held a four-point lead at 20-16. The Broncos answered with a 7-0 run to turn the four-point deficit into a three-point lead. They finished the set by scoring nine of the final 10 points.
 
The second set played out much like the first. The teams traded points early and were tied at 12-12. CPP again seized on the opportunity late in the match. They outscored Sonoma 13-6 in the second half of the set to take a commanding 2-0 lead.
 
With the Seawolves slightly on their heels, the Broncos scored the first six points of the third set behind server Emily Payne. She started the match with an ace and added another during her quick start. A kill by Kiana Richardson brought SSU back within two (9-7), but CPP answered with a 6-1 run (15-8) and the Seawolves would never got within three again.
 
Cal Poly Pomona will play the No. 1 seed Cal State San Bernardino on Friday, Nov. 17 at 5:30 p.m. The winner will advance to the CCAA Tournament championship match on Saturday at 3 p.m. Follow the action at CCAAnetwork.com or learn more at GoCCAA.org/VBTourney.