Pioneers finish 3rd in CAL-PAC, Fall in Semifinals

Story By Kenneth Perez

The Pioneers faced 2nd-seeded Simpson in the semifinals of the CAL-PAC Championships.

The Pioneers fought hard, never allowing Simpson to get fully comfortable throughout the match. Although they fell in three sets, the Pioneers delivered a performance that earned the respect of all in attendance. Tristen Miller led the squad with 12 kills, 8 digs, and 2 blocks. Julian Clarke added 6 kills, 3 digs, and 2 blocks. Bryce Teachout was a force at the net, leading the team with 6 blocks while adding 2 kills and 2 digs, and in the process became PUC's all-time leader in blocks.

The Pioneers were short-handed after losing last year's CAL-PAC Attacker of the Year Nate Tejada to a finger injury in the match prior to the semifinal. Without TJ Letuligasenoa as well, PUC still managed to keep all three sets extremely competitive, ultimately falling just short in tightly contested margins.

Seniors Ethan Durns, Noa Svendsen, and JV Cruzado played in their final match for the Pioneers. The scenes in the locker room reflected the weight of the moment, as teammates shared emotional embraces following both a heartbreaking loss and the close of their collegiate careers.

The 2026 Pioneers finish with the most wins in program NAIA history. First-year Head Coach Bambi Ramirez and his squad may not have reached their ultimate goals, but they made history and left a lasting impression on all who followed their season.