PLNU wins inaugural GSAC Tournament

Point Loma Nazarene, the NAIA's No. 3-ranked team, defeated The Master's 6-1 today at Carroll B. Land Stadium to clinch the inaugural Golden State Athletic Conference Tournament. The full recap is here.

PLNU was recognized here for this season's success. Coach Joe Schaefer (left) was named GSAC Coach of the Year and four Sea Lions players were selected for all-GSAC honors. The announcement was made late last week after PLNU wrapped up the GSAC regular season title with a 28-8 record.

PLNU's victory today in the GSAC Tournament earned the Sea Lions an automatic berth to the first round of the NAIA National Tournament, which begins next week at a site to be determined.

PLNU starter Brandon Dixon (8-3) allowed a run in the first inning against The Master's, then put up a bunch of zeros over the next six innings before turning the game over to the bullpen. The Sea Lions (38-11) tied the game with a run in the second inning, then blew it open with a five-run seventh inning. All five runs came with two outs — highlighted by Wes Kartch's grand slam.