By Ron Smith
November 9, 2018
 
(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) Westmont Volleyball (25-5), ranked 15th in the NAIA, rallied from a 2-1 deficit in the semifinals of the Golden State Athletic Conference semifinals to defeat #18 Vanguard in five sets (25-21, 20-25, 19-25, 25-17, 15-11), but couldn't do the same in the championship game.
 
The Master's, ranked 13th, took the GSAC Tournament championship game from the Warriors 3-1 (25-19, 24-26, 25-22, 26-24).
 
"It was a really good day for Westmont Volleyball," asserted Westmont head coach Patti Cook. "The end result of that game didn't go our way, but what I saw out there was gutsy play, a lot of heart and a lot of passion. The players left everything on the floor.
 
"Master's played a really good game. They played a super-disciplined, solid game. They didn't make many errors, and they didn't let balls go down easy. That was a big key to their success. We were a little more error-prone that them, but overall all on the day, I am so proud of Westmont Volleyball. We came to fight and to compete and we did exactly that."
 
The Warriors won the first set of the semifinal game, but gave up the next two sets, risking elimination in set four.
 
"A couple of people turned it into high gear and the rest followed," said Cook. "Hali Galloway, in particular, really turned it up and put it into that next gear. Cassidy Rea was heating up as well. That makes a big difference. It was important for us to never give up."
 
With the score tied at 14 points apiece, Westmont went on a 6-0 run to go up 20-14. Rea and Samantha Neely each produced three kills during the run. Vanguard got no closer than four the rest of the set.
 
In the decisive fifth set, Westmont jumped out to a 5-0 advantage with Rea, Neely, and Brooklynn Cheney recording one kill each and Neely coming up with a solo block. The Warriors held at least a three-point lead the rest of the Way.
 
Galloway and Rea each recorded 15 kills in the match while Neely totaled 14 and Cheney contributed 13. Cheney also tallied 15 digs and 48 serve receptions while Galloway had 17 digs and 16 serve receptions. Amy Buffham dished off 49 assists. Lauren Friis added 23 digs and 15 serve receptions.
 
In the championship match, The Master's took the first set before Westmont tied the match up by claiming the second set. However, The Master's would close out the match by taking the next two.
 
"Even though we were behind two sets to one, we still never gave up and never stopped fighting. Amy had to play through a lot of pain in her legs that were cramping.
 
"In the second half of the match, Cassidy was screaming for the ball and was coming in a ripping it. Sam was making smart, aggressive plays. She really wanted the ball as well. That is what I want from my hitters.
 
"Kaylee Ivie made some incredible plays as well. We saw a different gear from during the second game. That is really exciting for the future.
 
"Lauren had phenomenal play and defense. She was steady on serve receive. Lauren has her share of aches and pains, but you wouldn't know it by the way she is playing. The fire and the passion that she puts into the game is so appreciated and helps to motivate the team."
 
Neely led the way in the final game with 15 kills. Rea added 13 and Ivie notched 12. Buffham had 44 assists and 14 digs. Friis totaled 21 digs and 22 serve receptions.
 
The Master's earned the GSAC's automatic berth into the NAIA National Championship. Both Vanguard and Westmont are expected to receive invitations as at-large participants. The announcement of the tournament field and Opening Round pairings will be made on Monday.