Point Loma Nazarene University’s women’s volleyball team is making waves in the PacWest Conference with an undefeated record and a clean sweep during its recent trip to Hawaii. The Sea Lions conquered opponents, including the top-of-the-conference and nationally ranked Hawaii Pacific, Hawaii Hilo and Chaminade teams.
The team, led by Head Coach Jonathan Scott, showcased its prowess during its three-game road trip to Hawaii. The Sea Lions’ victories punctuated the team’s journey against teams with home-court advantage and that has proven to be tough competition in recent years.
Torina Hommes, a fifth-year master’s kinesiology student, is an outside hitter for the team. Hommes was recently named PacWest Player of the Week and shared her thoughts on the team’s remarkable performance in Hawaii.
“It’s been an incredible experience competing in Hawaii and taking down some serious competition in the conference,” said Hommes. “We’ve been working hard, and it’s paying off.”
Hommes had 34 kills, 10 blocks and 3 aces, but she attributes her success to her teammates’ support and her coaches’ guidance.
“It’s all about team effort,” she said. “My teammates and our coaching staff have been instrumental in helping me excel on the court. We’ve worked tirelessly together to improve, and I couldn’t have done it without my team.”
The Sea Lions’ trip began with a dominating three-set sweep against the HPU Sharks, setting the tone for the rest of their trip. The journey continued as the Sea Lions had a showdown against the Chaminade Silverswords, who were at the top of the conference and nationally ranked, beating them 3-1. This was a crucial victory that continued the momentum of their Hawaii trip and season.
Claire Smith, a fifth-year right side pin hitter and marketing major, expressed her pride in her teammates.
“This victory against Chaminade truly showcased our determination and exceptional teamwork,” Smith said.
Throughout the trip, she contributed 23 kills and 7 blocks.
“Our focus never wavered, and the team never lost sight of our goal to dominate our business trip to Hawaii,” Smith said.
The Sea Lions continued their winning streak and completed their Hawaii sweep with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Hawaii Hilo.
In her final year as a Sea Lion, fifth-year MBA student and middle blocker Grace Hicks has been a driving force both on and off the court. As the team captain, Hicks has played a pivotal role in motivating and guiding her teammates toward success.
“We have come a long way, and it has been an honor to lead this incredible group of athletes,” Hicks said. “Our unity in faith and determination on the court makes us a force to be reckoned with.”
As the Sea Lions continue their season, their sights are set on maintaining their undefeated record and making a lasting impact in the PacWest Conference. With players like Torina Hommes, Claire Smith and Grace Hicks leading the charge, the Sea Lions are well on their way to a shot to compete for the National Championship in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
