ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The fifth-seeded Central Washington University Wildcats volleyball team (18-6, 16-2 GNAC) makes its 12^th straight appearance to the NCAA West Regional Thursday, Dec 5 when they take on the fourth-seeded #12 Point Loma Nazarene University (25-1, 19-1 PacWest) in Pomona, Calif.

GAME INFORMATION
THURSDAY, 12/5/24 vs #12 POINT LOMA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY
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PREVIOUSLY FOR THE 'CATS
The Wildcats closed their season on Nov 23 with an eight-game winning streak. They officially clinched the GNAC title after defeating Saint Martin's on Nov 21 and after Alaska Fairbanks defeated Simon Fraser later that evening. The Crimson and Black enter the West Regional as a fifth seed and carry an 18-6 overall record coming into Thursday's matchup against the Sea Lions.

The 'Cats will look to the leaders that have got them to the position they're in now. That includes Marianna Payne, who led the team in kills this season with 292 total, and Emma Daoud-Hebert, whose 202 kills and 102 blocks have charged Central's momentum throughout the season.

Also looking to keep the chances going for the Wildcats are Kayleigh-Shay Chang, who led the team in assists (525) and service aces (30), and Morgan Halady and her team-leading 104 total blocks.

Holding the defense down this season is the GNAC Defensive Player of the Year Hannah Stires, whose 438 digs kept CWU's offense alive and opponents off the board.

ABOUT THE SEA LIONS
Point Loma appears to be a formidable opponent for the Crimson and Black in the opening round of the playoffs. The Sea Lions posted a 25-1 overall record this season and a 19-1 conference record in the PacWest. Their lone loss was to the then #7 Chaminade University Silverswords 3-1. The Sea Lions have shown superb dominance in their contests this season, winning 18 matches by means of a sweep. The remainder of their wins, except for a five-set win over Simon Fraser on Sep 6, were in four sets.

The Sea Lions are led by Abigail Nua, who recorded 341 kills this season, and Makenna Joyce, who leads in digs with 368 total. Other leaders on the Point Loma squad include Sophia Baugh (889 assists), Avery Allemann (97 blocks), and Anna Massari (36 service aces).

The Wildcats and Sea Lions face off on Thursday, Dec 5. First serve from Kellogg Arena in Pomona, Calif. is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.