CSUN women’s volleyball takes a loss against Lipscomb

Julie Flores and Nathaly Gonzalez-Flores

September 14, 2025

Opposite Leah Miller keeps a close eye on the ball while she waits for it to be set during a game against Lipscomb at Premier America Credit Union Arena in Northridge, Calif. on Sept. 13, 2025.

CSUN women’s volleyball attempted to carry the momentum from Friday’s game where they beat Santa Clara, Still, it ultimately fell fell 3-1 to Lipscomb on Saturday afternoon during the second game of the Bulldog Invitational.

CSUN (5-3) played their third ever match against Lipscomb (3-5) but with tonight’s loss, couldn’t get into the win column against the Bisons. Lipscomb would be handing CSUN its first home loss of the season.

The Matadors had cheering from supporters and recognition for outside hitter, Amaris Smith, for her achievement of reaching 1,000 kills a week ago.

During the first set, CSUN was dominating the game. Opposite, Leah Miller got the kill, scoring a point for CSUN while outside hitter, Kyleigh Moore, made a crucial block against the Bisons to help the Matadors protect their lead.

Miller scored more than 5 times along with setter Jan Marie Duhaylungsod and middle blocker, Iye Okolo.

Lipscomb started to come back and they eventually tied it up at 17-17. With the Bisons leading, the score was then 24-21 and a block by Lipscomb outside hitter, Courtney Jones, led her team to taking the first set.

Miller started off the second set strong by blocking shots but Lipscomb started to get back in the game.

During a timeout, CSUN was leading 13-10. Moments later, there was a review on the score during the game and the point was given to Lipscomb as they now trailed by four.

A kill by Miller closed out the second set 25-19 and the game was tied. CSUN’s head coach Aquiles Montoya spoke about how his team needs to react to having a lead.

The CSUN women’s volleyball team huddles together during a timeout during a game against Lipscomb at Premier America Credit Union Arena in Northridge, Calif. on Sept. 13, 2025. (Nathaly Gonzalez-Flores)

“We have to keep pushing when we have leads and not allow teams to think they have a chance. Lipscomb is used to winning and handles those tight situations better than we do right now,” Montoya said.

The third set was intense with Lipscomb leading the way but that didn’t stop the Matadors efforts as they came back within two points but the Bisons ended up taking the third set with a score of 25-22.

Lipscomb was in control for most of the fourth set but the Matadors weren’t giving up so easily. The two teams took turns tying the game and taking the lead until the score got to 22-22.

During the final pass of the set, Lipscomb ended up winning the game with a score of 25-23.

Montoya highlighted that his team is sharpening their skills to work together to secure wins.

“With continued experience and perseverance, we believe this roster can make those changes,” he said. “Learning to win consistently is a skill, even with a talented group, and we’re growing through that right now.”

CSUN’s next match will be at Fresno State on Sunday, Sept. 14 at 2 p.m. to wrap up the Bulldog Invitational.