Oklahoma City, Okla.---The postseason fireworks have come to an end for the Pioneer volleyball team. In Saturday afternoon's play-in match for a spot in the Opening Round of the NAIA Championship Tournament, the Pioneers came up short to Lubbock Christian in four sets, 26-24, 19-25, 17-25, 20-25.

WBU ends its most successful season in over a decade with an overall record of 26-8.

"We went as far as we could," said Pioneer coach Jim Giacomazzi after his team's four-set loss to LCU on Saturday. "We would have had a chance if we could have skipped yesterday's match. LCU played one match on Thursday and got a day of rest. We played four matches in three days and it took its toll.

"We could have been ready again in a week, but everyone is just real tired right now."

Giacomazzi and sophomore middle Jennifer Wyatt were especially tired. The two spent most of the wee hours of Saturday morning in an Oklahoma City emergency room. Wyatt, who was nauseous and in a tremendous amount of pain, was eventually diagnosed with a kidney stone. She was re-hydrated, given antibiotic and pain medication, and released about 7 Saturday morning.

"Jenn's a fighter. She was weak, but she played and did what she could to help out."

Wyatt finished the match against LCU with six kills and two blocks. Kimberli Harger led the Pioneers with 13 kills, and Audrey Hemminger added 10. Tournament MVP Anika Voigt wrapped up a very good weekend with 33 assists and a team-high 26 digs.

Giacomazzi's squad came out hard and fast against the Lady Chaps, winning the first set 26-24, but the wear and tear of the past several days began to show up over the course of the next three sets, all LCU victories.

"I can't speak well enough about these ladies. They have worked extremely hard to get to this point. I got so many compliments this weekend, even from some LCU fans, about the improvement that they have shown this year, about how they play the game with passion, and display class and character each and every time out.

"The girls are already talking about next year, and that's a real good sign. I think now they realize now that hard work brings success, and they will be ready to work even harder this off-season."