Game Recap By Mason Nesbitt, TMU Sports Information Director

What has The Master’s University women’s volleyball team learned in the early going of conference play? Any opponent can beat you, or at least test you, so optimal performance is imperative.

The Mustangs went on the road to face new Golden State Athletic Conference foe Life Pacific College on Friday in San Dimas and overcame more than one difficult set to win 3-1 by scores of 20-25, 25-18, 27-25 and 25-17.

“This match called our discipline and focus to attention,” said TMU coach Allan Vince. “Life Pacific came out with passion and intensity. We had to adapt by staying together, serving tough, and winning the match from the back line.”

The Mustangs (15-3 overall, 4-0 in GSAC) were coming off a breakthrough win over then-No. 7 Westmont College last week. The win, which vaulted TMU to No. 14 in the NAIA Top 25, came by a 3-0 score that bellied the challenge the Warriors presented.

The same could be said for 3-0 and 3-1 wins over Ottawa University Arizona and Arizona Christian University on the first weekend of conference play: Master’s found ways to win by commanding scores against opponents that brought their best.

Life Pacific came to play Friday, taking the lead for good in set one at 10-9 and eventually building an insurmountable 23-17 lead.

Master’s won the next three sets, but it took work. In set three, Master’s saw a 24-22 lead turn into a 25-24 deficit. Still, a Chloe Emory kill and two Warrior errors lifted the Mustangs to victory.

Regan Tate led the Mustangs with 11 kills, and Madi Fay followed with nine.

Kayla Sims provided six aces and 16 assists, while Rebecca Davis recorded a team-high 12 digs.

Master’s will play San Diego Christian at Grossmont College in El Cajon on Saturday at 7 p.m.