Post-Game Interview with SSU Head Coach Bear Grassl

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- The magical, record-breaking season for the Sonoma State women's volleyball team came to a sudden end with a heartbreaking 3-1 loss to UC San Diego in the opening round of the 2015 NCAA Division II Volleyball Championships on Friday at Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage, Alaska.  

The No. 3 seed Seawolves (26-4) also saw their 22-match win streak end, along with the end of the road for three Sonoma State seniors -- Caylie Seitz, Madelyn Densberger and Kaitlyn Connolly.  The Tritons (20-11), the No. 6 seed in the West Region, advances to Saturday's semifinal against the winner of the upcoming game between No. 2 Western Washington and No. 7 Point Loma.

The nationally 18th-ranked Seawolves – the CCAA regular-season and tournament champions – were led by 14 kills and seven digs from outside hitter Lexi Riddick, while setter Calan Seitz produced 18 assists and 17 digs. 

Trying to repeat as West Region champions, Sonoma State controlled the first set easily, outhitting UCSD .312 to .040. But the Northern Californians' momentum would stall midway through the second frame as their 13-9 lead was wiped out by a 16-5 Triton run.

UCSD continued its good play and pulled away late in the fourth, getting a match-high 42 assists from setter Heidi Sierks and nine kills from reserve outside hitter Kameron Cooper to seal the victory.

The Tritons also got 14 kills and 15 digs from junior Meagan Wright and 23 digs from libero Amanda Colla to knock off their California Collegiate Athletic Association rivals.

(University of Alaska Anchorage Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations Nate Sagan contributed to this report.)