CSUN Women Slip Into Consolation Bracket of Volleyball Invitational

The Cal State Northridge women’s volleyball team was knocked into the consolation bracket Friday at the National Invitation tournament at UCLA.

The Lady Matadors, ranked No. 1 nationally in the Division II coaches’ poll, lost to UC Santa Barbara in its final pool-play match, 15-13, 15-5.

Santa Barbara is ranked No. 11 in the Division I poll.

Later, CSUN beat unranked Northern Illinois, 4-15, 15-5, 15-7, 15-7, in the quarterfinals of the consolation bracket.

“We’re playing well, beating some Division I teams--and they’re not liking it,” said CSUN captain Karen Lontka, whose attacking percentage against Northern Illinois was a team-high .455.

Sue Darcey, a sophomore transfer from Washington, led CSUN with 16 kills against Northern Illinois. Lontka had 13 kills and 12 digs and Anna Garcia had 9 kills and 9 digs.

CSUN (18-3), which had a 15-match winning streak ended Thursday by No. 7-ranked BYU, will meet Oregon today at 9 a.m. in the consolation semifinals.

The Lady Matadors are the only Division II team competing in the 16-team tournament.