IUP Season Ends with Semifinal Loss to California

Complete boxscore

The IUP volleyball team saw its 2004 season come to an end with a tough five-set loss to California in the semifinal round of the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional at Thomas Field House.

The Vulcans rallied from a 2-1 deficit to post a 30-27, 26-30, 27-30, 36-34, 15-10 win to advance to Saturday’s title match against defending region champion Lock Haven.  IUP finished its season with a record of 27-11 while California improved to 28-6.

Brittany Gates led IUP with 24 kills, one more than Trisha Gerus.  Gates and Gerus added six and four blocks, respectively, while Marcy Stutzman had 18 kills and 12 digs and Michelle Jones contributed 10 kills.

Lacey George handed out 66 assists.  Sarah Rosenberry had 26 digs while Kelly Wolff recorded 10.

Jessica Brown led California with 35 kills and Katie Barker had 33 while adding 17 digs.  Aimee Helbig posted 78 assists and 16 digs and Susie Williams paced the Vulcans in digs with 25. 

IUP was seeking its first ever NCAA region crown and berth in the Elite Eight.  The Indians have advanced as far as the semifinals in each of the past four years and played in the championship match in 2001 and 2002.

At the conclusion of the regional, Gates and Gerus were named to the all-tournament team.