(SAN DIEGO) A six-game winning streak, and the season, came to an end for Westmont Volleyball (14-12, 11-7 PacWest) with a three-set loss to the Sea Lions of Point Loma (21-5, 16-2) on Saturday afternoon in Golden Gymnasium. Westmont lost by scores of 25-13, 25-23, 25-20.

The Warriors knew going in that they had been eliminated from play in next week’s PacWest Tournament due to last night’s 3-1 win by Hawai’i Hilo (20-8, 12-5) over Chaminade (13-15, 7-11).

However, Westmont had a chance to play spoiler if they could upset the 17th-ranked Sea Lions. While Point Loma had already clinched a share of the conference championship, the win today assured the Sea Lions solo possession of the regular season title.

Westmont struggled offensively, posting just an .065 attack percentage for the match. Audrey Hyde led the Warriors with 10 kills while Camila Cornejo-Farmer added six and Ceanna O’Loughlin tallied five.

“The first set was absolutely not who we were,” stated Westmont’s head coach Ruth McGolpin. “We were slow to everything. We could have had them in set two. I’m proud of the way we grinded. We never gave up. I’m proud that we stayed in the match in sets two and three and made it hard on them. We didn’t have the greatest offensive output, but we stayed in the game with our digging.

“I’m proud of the way the players have held themselves to a high standard all season long. Finishing fifth (in the PacWest standings) is not necessarily where we wanted to finish, but I am proud of the way the program is progressing.”

For the program’s three seniors – O’Loughlin, Malia de Jesus and Valerie Coward – their days playing for the Warriors have come to an end.

“They have meant a lot to our program,” emphasized McGolpin. “Since her freshman year, Malia has been a starting defensive specialist. When she came to her first camp, she was timid. She has grown in her confidence and her ability to be a strong server and defender. Her passing has really evolved in her four years here.

“Val had an injury last year and could only play in the back row. So, last year she really improved as a passer because she never played in the front row.

“Ceanna was a transfer who was looking for another opportunity. Her confidence has just soared here. She is graduating early and is going to be a graduate assistant coach for the Jamestown (N.D.) men’s volleyball program.

“The contributions of those three are immense, but even more so, they are just great people.”

Reflecting on the strong end to the last part of the season, McGolpin said, “I think we have leveled up our program. Despite the loss today, and not getting into the PacWest Tournament, I believe this program has evolved and is something that can be great. We just need to continue fighting and fill in a few pieces.

“The foundation is there. They work hard, they are gritty, they love each other as a family, they believe in each other and they stand by their side for things that are tough. We just have to keep growing as volleyball players.”

The Warriors improved their overall record from last year by turning a 12-14 mark into a 14-12 finish. They also improved their conference record from 6-6 to 11-7, and their finish in the PacWest standings from tied for sixth to fifth.

With the conclusion of her eighth year as head coach at Westmont, McGolpin now holds a career record of 142-82 (.634).