SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - The 10th-ranked College of Southern Idaho Volleyball Team battled to a 25-11, 21-25, 27-25, 24-26, 15-7 win over 14th-ranked USU Eastern Wednesday to secure its spot in the Region 18 Championship against Salt Lake CC Thursday at 1 p.m.
With the win, both CSI and SLCC have secured a spot in a district playoff Monday in Arizona. The top two from that playoff will advance to the NJCAA National Tournament.
But to get there, the Golden Eagles had to overcome a pesky and relentless USU Eastern squad.
The Eagles of Price never rolled over, especially after losing the first set 25-11. In the end it was CSI's serve and block that ended up being the difference. The Golden Eagles out-blocked USUE 15-6 and finished with 11 service aces to five for USUE.
Val Sarti-Cipriani led the Golden Eagle attack with 16 kills. She added seven digs and five blocks. Also posting double-digit kills was Alizaysha Sopi with 14. She had 14 digs as well.
Running the offense and making a difference in all areas was Janke Pretorius. The sophomore setter finished with five kills, 38 assists, 23 digs and four blocks. 
At the net Annie Nikolnikova and Danea King combined for 13 kills and 15 blocks. Defensively, Chinaru Inoue had 21 digs.
CSI will look to avenge its only two Scenic West Athletic Conference losses this year on Thursday when they play #4 Salt Lake CC.