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BYU-Hawaii falls in national volleyball semifinal

 

Senior hitter Lauren Hagemeyer put down a team-high 15 kills and sophomore All-American hitter Stella Chen added 11 kills and 12 digs but it was not enough as No. 5 Brigham Young-Hawaii fell to five-time defending national champion Concordia-St. Paul in today’s NCAA DII volleyball championship semifinal 20-25, 25-11, 25-19, 25-14 in Pensacola, Fla.

The loss not only snapped the Seasiders’ 24-match winning streak against DII competition but it also was the last match for BYUH coach Wilfred Navalta. The 67-year-old, who took over the program in 1985, retires with 10 national titles and a 611-145 record. He told the team of his decision after the loss.

Sophomore All-American setter Stella Chen had 43 assists and 13 digs, and sophomore middle Ariel Hsu added 11 kills for BYUH (25-4), which was seeking its 11th national title. Senior hitter Tuli Peters Tevaga finished her career with 15 of the team’s 61 digs.

The Golden Bears (32-4) were led by Kayla Koenecki (23 kills, 15 digs, 3 aces), Ellie Duffy (16 kills), Cassie Haag (14 kills) and Ashley Murtha (12 kills, 13 digs). Libero Taylor Dordan had 20 of the team’s 80 digs and setter Amanda Konetchy finished with a double-double (57 assists, 13 digs). 

 

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