Slingshot Not Enough to Lift Cal Lutheran : Women’s volleyball: Regals fall to powerful UC San Diego in regional final, 15-6, 11-15, 15-10, 15-5.

LA JOLLA —  The NCAA Division III West Regional women’s volleyball final was a classic David vs. Goliath confrontation.

Cal Lutheran, in its first appearance in the NCAA tournament, fell to six-time national champion UC San Diego, 15-6, 11-15, 15-10, 15-5, Saturday night at UC San Diego. The Tritons will face South Regional champion Washington University of St. Louis Saturday at a site to be determined.

Despite the loss, 1994 was a breakthrough season for Cal Lutheran (20-9). After posting four consecutive dismal seasons since joining the NCAA in 1988, Cal Lutheran began the turnaround last year, finishing 14-13 under first-year Coach James Park.

“They’ve done a great job,” said Triton Coach Doug Dannevik. “They’re definitely one of the top two teams in their conference and James has done a really good job getting club players to come to Cal Lu.”

Darcy White and Traci Little paced Cal Lutheran with 10 kills apiece. Freshman setter Liz Martinez added 24 assists and 17 digs for the Regals, who have all nine starters returning next season.