From the Commerce Journal: Nov. 23, 1980

PITTSBURG, Kan. ­– The East Texas State University women's volleyball team went a long way but came up short, losing to Azusa Pacific (Calif.) College in the finals of the NAIA National Women's Volleyball Championships Saturday at Pittsburg State (Kan.) University.
 
Going into the tournament with a 20-17 record, the Lady Lions downed Cameron (Okla.) University, Gilford (N .C.) College and St. John Fisher ( N. Y.) last Thursday to advance to the final eight-team single elimination tournament.
 
The Lady Lions continued their fine play Friday, defeating Hillsdale (Mich.) College in the quarter-finals to advance to the semi-finals against Kearney State (Neb.) College.
 
In a two-hour, five-game match, the Lady Lions overcame a 13-5 deficit in the final game to win 16-14 and move on to the finals against Azusa College. Azusa won the final match in scores of 3-15, 15-10, 2-15, 10-15.
 
Two ETSU women were voted to the All-Tournament team. Marsha Morgan of Richardson, and Barbara Braxton of Denison. Staci Watkins of Wylie was selected to the All-Tournament second team.
 
The ET women end their season with a 25-18 overall record and their highest placing in a national tournament.
 
This is the first year for the NAIA to hold a women's volleyball championship tournament.