By Maddie Bernard, PLU Sports Information Student Writer

PARKLAND – The Pacific Lutheran University Volleyball team evened its Northwest Conference record after sweeping Whitman Saturday evening at Names Family Court.

The Lutes beat the Missionaries in three sets with scores of 25-16, 25-20, and 25-16.

After coming off a tough loss Whitworth on Friday, PLU came out strong in the first set against Whitman. The Lutes maintained at least a five-point the lead for nearly the entire set, with only one tie score. A kill by Michaela Edgers in the middle sealed the first set.

The second set was closer, seeing seven tie scores and one lead change, but PLU began to pull away to a four-point lead after the 11th point. While the Missionaries closed the point gap to make the score 19-18, the Lutes left them behind as another kills by Edgers sparked a four-point streak. Kacey Hartman ended the second set with a clinching kill that made it 25-20.

Whitman started the third set strong, scoring six of the first seven points. PLU came back to tie it up 8-8, and then the Lutes took charge with eight straight points. In total the Lutes had a 16-2 run to take a nine-point lead over the Missionaries, and PLU won the set handily, 25-16.

Lucy Capron had 16 kills, 11 digs and three blocks, while Hartman earned 8 kills on a .636 attack percentage and added four blocks. As a team, the Lutes hit a season-best .268, while Kendle Valade-Nunez totaled 32 assists. PLU head coach Kevin Aoki was excited about the team's first conference victory.

"Our players rebounded well after a tough loss last night," Aoki said. "We would like to continue our solid play next weekend in Oregon."

The Lutes play their next match Friday, Sept. 25, at Lewis & Clark in Portland.