Pioneer's Win 2nd CAL-PAC seeding match

Story By Kenneth Perez

The Pioneers put on another impressive offensive showcase as they took down Central Christian College of Kansas in three sets.

PUC displayed their wide range of attacks once again, with three players reaching double figure kills in the match. Julian Clarke led the way once again with 11 kills on a cool .400 hitting percentage. He moves up to number four in the CAL PAC for kills per set and sits second in the CAL PAC for aces per set. Nate Tejada's 10 kills came on a .562 hitting percentage, which brings his season hitting percentage to .450. That mark is good enough for second in the CAL PAC this year, fifth in the NAIA, and fourth all time for a single season in conference history. Tristen Miller continues his tremendous debut year with the Pioneers, leading the team in kills while sitting tied for second in digs. He added 10 kills and 14 digs in the win.

Bryce Teachout continues his standout hitting form, adding five kills on a .500 hitting percentage. He now sits second on the team in hitting percentage at .350 and is on track to produce the second best season in Pioneer NAIA history, trailing only Nate Tejada, who is also on pace to challenge the record. Nick Delucia impressed once again with four kills on a .667 hitting percentage in another one set cameo.

Behind it all were setters JV Cruzado and Ethan Durns, who have continued to share the passing duties effectively. JV finished with 25 assists and five digs, which puts him tied for second on the team in total digs. Ethan Durns added 17 assists and a block at the net.

Libero Jacob Lopez led the defensive effort with 12 digs and now sits number one in the CAL PAC for digs per set.

The Pioneers return to action at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 16 against Simpson in the final CAL PAC seeding game for PUC.