Only the beginning. While a first-round exit from the NCAA Division II tournament marked the end of the volleyball season for Seattle Pacific University, this may be just the beginning of the Falcons’ status as a premier program in the notoriously tough Pacific Region. SPU finished with its highest final national ranking, a record of 22-6 and won its first conference championship. But best of all, five starters and 10 players altogether, are eligible to return in 2006.

A very good year. For a program which had not reached the postseason in four years and was picked to finish fourth in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference, Seattle Pacific certainly was a Cinderella story. Under first-year head coach Chris Johnson, the Falcons made a name for themselves from the outset, beating three nationally-ranked teams in the first nine outings. Their 11 consecutive wins at the end of the regular season was the second-longest streak in the program’s 20-year history, and earned both an automatic berth in the NCAA tournament and a share of the GNAC crown. SPU was listed at No. 18 in the final AVCA coaches poll. Johnson was voted the co-coach of the year in the conference.

Proof positive. Beyond rankings, the outcome of the NCAA tournament produced further proof that Seattle Pacific was a national-caliber program. The Falcons beat both the national champion and runner-up–Grand Valley State (Mi.) and Nebraska Kearney, respectively–and they came within a single point of taking a 2-0 lead in their first-round matchup with Cal State L.A., the eventual Pacific Region champion and semifinalist. Incidentally, Kearney’s only two losses were to SPU and Grand Valley.

And a happy new year. After watching Washington rapidly grow into a national champion at the D-I level, the Falcons are no doubt believing they can do the same and soon. Johnson will put an experienced lineup on the floor next season. First team all-conference selections Alyssa Given (So., 5-10, Salinas, Ca./Notre Dame) and Jenna Von Moos (Jr., 5-10, Stanwood, Wa.) are expected back, along with middles Rachel Biornstad (So., 6-0, Kent, Wa./Kentlake), and Whitney Dibble (Jr., 6-1, Reno, Nv./Galena), libero Torii Mount (Fr., 5-2, Gresham, Or.) and right side hitter Angie Wodrich (So., 5-10, Richland, Wa.). Given, an outside hitter, led the team in kills (3.89) and broke the season mark for service aces (0.54) while Von Moos set a new season record for assists average (12.22). Mount smashed the season standard for digs total (534) and average (5.45). Dibble led the GNAC in blocking (1.13) and the team in attack percentage (.277).

Not easily replaced. It will be difficult to replace a pair of seniors who were key contributors throughout their careers. In her three seasons, middle Katie Ralph (Sr., 6-0, Port Orchard, Wa./South Kitsap) anchored a frontline defense which led the GNAC in blocking the past two seasons. Despite a dislocated left thumb, Ralph managed to hit .267 and average 1.12 blocks, both ranking among the conference leaders. Outside hitter Chelsey Myers (Sr., 5-10, Minden, Nv./Douglas) leaves with a share of the single match kills record (30) and No. 5 on the career kills list.

For the record. A total of nine school records fell this season, including three on one night. Given (attempts/81) and Mount (digs/41) set new individual marks while the team digs total (134) was also erased Oct. 27 vs. Western Washington. Von Moos now holds assists records for season average and career average (10.86). Given owns records for aces average for a season and career (0.46). The six losses equaled the fewest, tying the ‘99 and ‘00 teams. Five of the losses were to playoff teams.

How they rated. Certainly the Falcons’ good fortune could be backed-up with statistics as they rated among the GNAC top three in every major category. SPU led the league in kills (15.55), assists (14.11) and blocking (2.70), and was second in hitting (.227), opponents hitting (.135) and digs (19.24). It was No. 3 in service aces (1.96). Nationally, the team was 22nd in blocking. Von Moos finished 25th in NCAA assists and No. 2 in the GNAC. Mount was 30th in Div. II digs and third in the conference. Given was No. 3 in GNAC serving and scoring, and No. 4 in kills. Along with Dibble, Ralph was No. 4 and Biornstad No. 5 in blocking.

They hit books too. Four players were named academic all-GNAC. Ralph and Shelby Gihring (Jr., 5-10, Kent, Wa./Kentlake) were repeat selections while Given and Biornstad were first-time members. The Falcons were second only to Northwest Nazarene’s five selections. Given was also voted to the academic all-district team.

SPU coaches. A new era begins as Chris Johnson—just the third coach in the program’s existence—aims to send the Falcons back to the NCAA for the first time in four seasons. Johnson was the team’s top assistant in 2004, and earlier served as an assistant at NAIA powerhouse Westmont from 2001-03. The Warriors reached the national tournament in ‘01 and ‘02. Last season at SPU, Johnson was in charge of defense and passing strategies and technique, as well as recruiting. He also guided the Falcons through the balance of the spring season following the resignation Kellie Ryan. A native of Bellevue and graduate of Interlake High School, Johnson earned his bachelor’s degree in art from Westmont in 2002. He played a total of five years at the collegiate club level, including three at Westmont. Kaitlin Leck, a four-year starter who averaged more than 2.5 kills at Washington will serve as Johnson’s assistant. Leck was a two-time Pac-10 all-academic selection, and was a member of the NCAA semifinal team in ‘04.

Tickets, please. General admission tickets for all SPU home volleyball matches are priced $5 with students, youth and senior citizens $3 with proper identification. Teams or groups can qualify for discount rates by call (206) 281-2085 in advance.

Missing links. For the latest and best information on Seattle Pacific University athletics, stay where you're at -- on The Falcons Online. For updated standings and statistics, see the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Website.