Dec. 1, 2009

SIOUX CITY, Iowa - Fifth-seeded Azusa Pacific (Calif.) and eighth-seeded College of Idaho were victorious in Pool E Tuesday in the opening day of pool play action at the NAIA Volleyball National Championship Presented by Siouxland Sports Medicine Foundation in the Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena.

Led behind the double-figure kills of Jill Baker, Marguerite Hanna and Whittany Radcliffe, Azusa Pacific defeated Lewis-Clark State (Idaho), 23-25, 25-15, 25-21, 25-17. Not only was Baker attacking the net, but she came up with 10 digs. Robin Portela led the Cougars with 23 digs. Directing the offense were Raechel Jones and Sophie Burns, handing out 26 and 19 assists, respectively. Lewis-Clark State had a 17-kill performance out of Anile Clemente. Even though Azusa Pacific had three players in double-figures, the Warriors were able to combine for 12 team blocks.

In the night's final match, College of Idaho rallied from a first set 23-25 loss to defeat Doane (Neb.), 25-20, 25-18, 25-16. A trio of Coyotes posted double-figure kills, led by Naomi Reimer's 14-kill performance. Jessie Link had 12 kills and Ciciley Fox hammered down 11 kills. Reimer also helped conduct the offense, handing out 20 assists. Madie Machurek had a match-high 22 assists. The College of Idaho owned the play at the net, teaming together for 15 team blocks. Doane was limited to a .073 hitting percentage in the loss and were led offensively by Jessy Liver's seven kills.

Wednesday's action will first see College of Idaho against Lewis-Clark State at 5:45 p.m., followed by Azusa Pacific facing Doane at 8 p.m.