THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Colorado College's historic season came to an end on Friday night as the 8th-ranked Tigers fell to California Lutheran University 3-0 in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
The Tigers closed out the season with a program best 34-4 record after making its 18th consecutive appearance in the postseason tournament. It was not all bleak in Thousand Oaks, Calif., however. SCAC Player of the Year Courtney Birkett became the first player in CC history to record more than 1,000 career kills, digs and assists.
Birkett anchored the offense with 18 assists, while Steffey-Bean led the attacking with nine kills. Back Row Player of the Year Sophie Merrifield finshed her career with a school record 2,498 career digs.
The Regals hit .303 on the night and went on a 6-0 run late in the third set to go up 24-20 on the Tigers. A kill by CLU's Jamie Smith would punch their ticket to the regional semifinals against the University of Texas-Dallas.