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CALIFORNIA (Nov. 21) – The California University of Pennsylvania volleyball team claimed a 3-1 victory (25-15, 24-26 25-22, 25-22) over Lock Haven on Saturday at Hamer Hall to win its third-consecutive NCAA Atlantic Regional Championship and advance to the 2009 NCAA National Quarterfinals.

The Vulcans improve to 36-5 overall this season and have won 29 of their last 30 matches dating back to mid-September. Cal U will face No. 5 West Texas A&M (37-3) in the quarterfinal round on Thursday, Dec. 3, in St. Paul, Minn., at 3:30 p.m. Meanwhile, Lock Haven finishes its season with a 34-6 overall record.

Senior outside hitter Joanna Nist (Rockwood, Pa./Rockwood) and senior setter Renata da Silva (Sao Paulo, Brazil/Colegio Ateneu) each registered double-doubles in the final matches of their career at Hamer Hall. Nist posted a match-high 17 kills and 11 digs while da Silva collected 48 assists, 10 digs and three blocks (one solo).

Middle hitters Ludmila Amaral (Sao Paulo, Brazil/Afonso Schimidt) and Bridget Bielich (Bethel Park, Pa./Bethel Park) each added 13 kills and senior Ashley Moore (Yorktown, Va./Grafton) finished with eight kill and eight digs.

Junior libero Julie Paronish (Hastings, Pa./Northern Cambria) recorded 22 digs and sophomore defensive specialist Sara McMullen (State College, Pa./State College) had eight digs and four service aces.

Amaral, Bielich, da Silva and Nist were each named to the All-Atlantic Regional Tournament Team following the championship match.

The Vulcans have now won eight-straight matches against the Bald Eagles, including wins in the 2007 and 2008 PSAC Championship.