POINT LOMA, Calif. - The Texas Wesleyan volleyball team won two matches to run its record to 3-0 in pool play Thursday at the 2004 NAIA National Volleyball Tournament. The Lady Rams defeated fourth-seeded Dordt College, 3-2, and then defeated host Point Loma Nazarene, 3-1 in the evening match.
     The Lady Rams (37-3) defeated the fifth-ranked Lady Defenders in the morning, 30-28, 23-30, 30-25, 27-30, 15-12. They followed that up by defeating the Lady Sealions, 32-34, 30-24, 30-20, 30-28.
     "We had some injuries on the team and we were really concerned," head coach Rick Johansen said. "Once we knew we could play with the injuries, we started to play better. Point Loma came out with a different offense then what we were prepared for. We made some adjustments and started to roll."
     Against Dordt College, junior Rachel Loftin led the Lady Rams with 25 kills and five total blocks. Senior Cortney Johansen dished out 59 assists and picked up 14 digs. Junior Susan Taylor had 29 digs and 22 service receptions without an error. Senior Nicky Davis chipped in with 18 kills.
     In the nightcap against Point Loma, Loftin again led the Lady Rams with 18 kills, while senior Tiffany Porterfield added 15. Johansen had another good game, dishing out 50 assists. Taylor, who was playing with numerous injuries, toughed it out and registered 23 digs, while senior Becca Broussard chipped in with 14 digs.
     Texas Wesleyan will take on Georgetown College (Ky.) Friday at 1:30 p.m. (PST). The Lady Rams sit atop Pool D with a spotless 3-0 record. With tonight's victory, Wesleyan has gained a berth in Friday's quarterfinal round.