CSUN Women Win 3rd Straight CCAA Volleyball Championship

Heather Hafner slammed the volleyball into Cal State Bakersfield’s court for the match-winning point, then smiled and slapped her teammates’ hands.

The All-American knew Cal State Northridge (12-0) had won more than a volleyball match at home Wednesday night.

For the third year in a row, the Lady Matadors, ranked No. 1 in Division II, had clinched the California Collegiate Athletic Assn. title. Northridge defeated Bakersfield, 15-9, 15-8, 15-6, and Hafner was satisfied.

The team co-captain had more to celebrate after the game when she learned that hours earlier the CCAA had selected her as the conference most valuable player and a member of the all-conference first team.

CSUN Coach Walt Ker said he knew the most valuable player title would go to either All-American Shelli Mosby or Hafner.

“Shelli got it last year,” Hafner said before the match. “I’m sure she’ll get it this year, too.”

Instead, Mosby made first team all-conference. It was the last conference match for both seniors.

The Lady Matadors, despite their title and impressive record, did not leave Bakersfield in awe.

“I’ve definitely seen Northridge play better,” Bakersfield Coach Cheryl Alexander said after her team fell to 3-9 in conference play. “We had a chance to upset them in the first game.”

The Lady Matadors spoiled their chances in the last two games behind the spiking of Karen Lontka and Anna Garcia. Both Lontka and Garcia were named to the second team all-conference.