CSUSB reaches Tournament Finals for seventh time in eight seasons

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LOS ANGELES - For the seventh time in the eight-year history of the CCAA Volleyball Tournament, Cal State San Bernardino is in the championship match. The No. 1 seeded Coyotes outlasted the No. 4 seed Cal Poly Pomona, 25-19, 19-25, 25-19, and 25-20, to earn a spot in Saturday's finals against Cal State LA.

The quarterfinals of the CCAA Tournament were entertaining, but you could feel the intensity elevated when the teams entered the gym for the semifinal matches. CSUSB and CPP had been ranked in the AVCA top 25 throughout the season, and tonight's match reflected their national billings.

Both teams had difficulty finding the floor all night between the blocks and the effort on the digs. CSUSB hit only .204 percent, with Cal Poly Pomona registering a .172 mark. The Coyotes blocked 13 shots, compared to eight for the Broncos. It did not get any easier after getting past the block as Cal State San Bernardino averaged 19 digs, and Cal Poly Pomona had 18 per set.

With points tough to come by, setter Marlee Nunley stayed with what had worked for the Coyotes all season and continued to frequently set Trinity Sheridan, Ashley Robinson, and Jenna Patton. Sheridan recorded 13 kills and nine digs in her first CCAA Tournament match. Robinson tied Sheridan for the team lead with 13 kills and added a match-high 17 digs for her second consecutive double-double (third of the season). Patton had 12 kills to accompany a team-leading five assisted blocks. Taryn King hit .571 with five kills in seven attempts. Nunlee finished with 38 assists.

Daisy Duke hit. 289 with a match-best 17 kills to lead Cal Poly Pomona. She was one of three Broncos in double figures. Madison Novak had 15 kills, and Samantha Campion posted a double-double with 10 and 14 digs. Avery Percival posted 16 digs, and Kaitlan Tucker matched Patton with a match-best five assisted blocks. Caitie Mueller registered a match-best 42 assists.

Cal State San Bernardino will advance to the 2023 CCAA Tournament title match on Saturday, Nov. 18. The Coyotes will face the No. 2 seed Cal State LA at 3 p.m., with the tournament championship and the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA West Regional on the line.