Written by Student Assistant Vanna Tangonan

TACOMA, Wash. – The Pacific Lutheran University volleyball team extended its win streak to five on Friday night, making quick work of Whitman College and earning the 3-0 (25-13, 25-18, 25-19) victory in a Northwest Conference match inside a packed Olson Gymnasium.

The Lutes (12-9, 10-3 NWC) never trailed in the opening two sets, claiming a 5-1 lead in the opening set in a 25-13 win while securing 10 of the first 11 points in the second. Capitalizing on hitting errors, Whitman (9-12, 6-7 NWC) tried to close the gap but was unable to do so as the hosts claimed the 25-18 win in set two. PLU briefly trailed in the third set before seizing control late, netting eight of the final 10 points of the set for the 25-19 win to earn the three-set sweep.

"It was a very solid performance by our team tonight. I'm excited for tomorrow's match and for our seniors Taylor Komagome and Roshel Donwen," said Head Coach Kevin Aoki. 

"We need to keep it rolling."

PLU featured a balanced attack with Chloe Epker, McKenna Ventura, and Mackenzie Harris leading the attack with six kills apiece. Harris additionally tallied six blocks while Kiana Calles paced the team with 17 assists.

A three-time NWC Defensive Player of the Week, Caylie Shiramizu had another strong night, leading the Lutes with 18 digs, showing exactly why she is one of the top defensive players in the conference. 

"Everybody played great and our chemistry on the court today was really great," said Caylie Shiramizu.

The Lutes close their home schedule against NWC leading Whitworth University tomorrow at 5 p.m. inside Olson Gymnasium.