When observers look to trace Point Loma Nazarene’s rapid rise in the NCAA Division II national women’s volleyball rankings, they usually go back three weeks. That’s when the Sea Lions defeated three nationally ranked opponents en route to winning the prestigious Colorado Premier Challenge Tournament.
PLNU dropped only three sets in four matches to win what is considered the nation’s premier Division II nonconference tournament.
“That was big,” PLNU coach Jonathan Scott said. “Because so much of Division II rankings are based on regions, it takes a long time to gain national recognition.”
Defeating 25th-ranked Wayne State 3-1, 21st-ranked Bentley 3-1 and fifth-ranked West Texas A&M 3-1 before routing West Florida 3-0 in the championship match put PLNU on the national map.
The Sea Lions (11-1) are riding a nine-match winning streak, with the last six matches straight-sets wins. As a result, they’ve climbed to No. 5 in the national poll of volleyball coaches.
But to hear Scott and several of his leading players tell it, PLNU’s rise began during a darker time at the end of the 2023 season.
“We were playing outstanding volleyball,” Scott said.
Then three starters suffered season-ending knee injuries in a span of two weeks and star outside hitter Abigail Nua was sidelined with a foot and ankle issue
“A great taste became a bad taste when that season got cut short,” said Scott.
“We were climbing as a team,” said libero Macy Reynolds. “We had a lot of excitement. We thought we were going to surprise a lot of teams in the NCAA Tournament. Then Nua got hurt and myself and two teammates suffered ACL injuries. It seemed like it happened overnight.
“It was horrible seeing our entire starting lineup sitting there. It was out of our control. The season just ended, gone.”
Nua and Reynolds learned a lot from the dashed hopes of 2023.
“I think 2023 changed the team’s dynamic, I know it changed mine,” said Nua, a returning Division II All-American. “Two years ago still remains a constant reminder that nothing is guaranteed. So, work hard. Do it now. And do it better tomorrow.”
“We’re all back and healthy,” added Reynolds. “But what happened in 2023 changed all of us. We don’t dwell too much on wins. We don’t look too far into the future. But we’re back stronger than we were. We have more confidence. We believe in ourselves more. And we share the same end goal. Leave here doing something special for our teammates and PLNU.”
Scott is in his 11th season at PLNU, and admits that he doesn’t know if there’s been one turning point.
“We’re just keeping it going,” he said. “What we have is a team of high-character women athletes. And I think everyone on this team could play at the Division I level.”
The Sea Lions have three players — Nua, Reynolds and setter Sophia Baugh – who were at least all-region on the 2024 team that went 26-1 before losing to Cal Poly Pomona in the NCAA regional semifinals.
Nua, a 5-foot-10 outside hitter, was named Pac West Conference Player of the Year in 2024. “I would argue that Nua is the best player in all of Division II volleyball,” said Scott.
Baugh, a 5-foot-8 junior, was an honorable mention All-American last year. She ranks third in the NCAA in assists per set.
Senior Reynolds was an all-region pick last year.
“She has a pretty unique role,” said Scott. “Not only does she keep the ball off the floor, she transitions it to offense.”
Baugh “is the one running the show,” said Scott.
“I have amazing teammates,” said Nua. “My game has changed over the past two years and my teammates have helped me make the most of my adjustments. It’s a team game. Winning that Colorado tournament was a huge confidence boost for us. Now we’re up there in recognition as a team.”
A native of Colorado, Nua has an interesting recruiting story.
“Coming out of high school, I didn’t want to go to college,” said Nua. “I wasn’t a great student. I received letters from some universities, but I didn’t respond. It was super weird. But Coach Scott kept after me until I gave up and came.”
Nua will graduate in December with a degree in Christian Studies. She hopes to play overseas and eventually become a professional sports chaplain.
“There are two things I look for when recruiting,” said Scott. “I want good humans with competitive drive.”
Every week during the school year, U-T contributor Bill Center highlights one San Diego college team that’s making strides on and off the field. To nominate a team, email wcenter27@gmail.com.
