As far as the Utah Predators are concerned, San Diego in the postseason is as appealing as a day on the nearby Los Angeles freeway system.
For the second straight year, the defending National Volleyball Association champions put an end to Utah's title hopes.In Friday's semifinal rematch of last year's championship, the host Spikers defeated the Predators 15-11, 15-11, 12-15, 15-6 at UC San Diego's Rimac Center.
"We have a hard time on this court," said Utah coach Annette Cottle, whose Predators have never won in this city. "Definitely, one of our goals next year is to win in San Diego."
Unlike their last playoff meeting, a sweep was out of the question as San Diego needed rallies to prevail.
"It was all in communication," said San Diego star Tee Williams, who finished with 18 kills and 13 digs. "I just think we played real well."
After Utah's lone victory in game three, the Spikers bounced back in the clincher with a 9-1 run. Before earning a third straight trip to the finals, San Diego erased a 10-6 deficit in the first game and a 5-2 shortfall in the second.
"Basically, we just didn't play well the last five points," said Cottle. "For some reason we had a hard time once we hit 10."
Tammy Liley and Natalie Williams each had 15 kills for Utah, but it wasn't enough to overcome San Diego's statistical edge as a team - 68-53 - in the category.
"They just definitely played better tonight," said Cottle. "We knew this would be a tough game - a bad draw."
Despite winning the league's regular season title with an 8-2 mark, Utah hit the road for the postseason party in San Diego.
Excuses, however, weren't on Utah's postgame agenda.
"We just didn't have a good night," said Kristin Klein. "I give (San Diego) credit."
The Spikers will meet Orange County in the finals tonight. The Diggers advanced with a 15-7, 15-7, 15-5 upset of second-place San Jose.
PREDATOR NOTES: Prime Sports will air Utah's postseason match on a tape-delay basis March 21 at 8:30 a.m. The NVA championship broadcast is March 23 at 2 p.m. . . . Former Utah State and NBA standout Nate Williams, father of Predator star Natalie, attended Friday's semifinal - as did several dozen Utah fans.