CALIFORNIA, Pa. – The Lock Haven University volleyball team (34-6) was downed 3-1 tonight by host California (Pa.) University (36-5) in the 2009 Atlantic Region Championship match.

Cal won 25-15, 24-26, 25-22 & 25-22.

Xuan Gao (Dong Ying, China/Zibo No. 10. Middle School) led Lock Haven with 17 kills. She also had a team-high four aces.

Haley Gribler (Powell, Ohio/Olentangy-Liberty) was very solid offensively tonight for LHU. She hit .394 with 14 kills and only one error.

Fabiana Gomez (Montevideo, Uruguay/Consejo de E.S.) directed Lock Haven’s play and led the Lady Eagles with a sensational 43 assists.

Christie Naumann (Charters Towers, Australia/Gladstone) led The Haven with 12 digs. Christiana Laury (Horsham, Pa./Hatboro-Horsham) added 11.

Grace Novacek (Aliquippa, Pa./Hopewell) added eight kills, while Kim Windstein (McMurray, Pa./Peters Township) chipped in with six.

The Lady Eagles went a remarkable 34-6 in ’09 and were 17-2 in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) action. Lock Haven took home the PSAC East regular season title and finished as PSAC Tournament Runners-up.