Contact: Mark Albanese, Director of Sports Communication

TACOMA, Wash. – Friday night's battle between Northwest Conference heavyweights lived up to the hype with the Pacific Lutheran University volleyball team overcoming a sluggish start to come away with a 3-2 (20-25, 18-25, 25-14, 25-17, 15-9) victory over host Whitworth University to secure sole possession of first place in the NWC.

The Lutes (14-3, 8-1 NWC) and Pirates (10-7, 7-2 NWC) entered the night tied atop the league standings, both riding winning streaks. When the dust settled, PLU saw its win streak extended to seven matches while Whitworth saw its win streak snapped at seven, falling to the Lutes for the second time this season.

Whitworth took the opening set by a 25-20 scoreline before taking a 2-0 lead courtesy of a 25-18 victory in the second set. In the third set, PLU ripped off four consecutive points, turning a one-point deficit into a 9-6 lead. Chloe Epker made her presence felt netting three kills during the run. The Lutes held the lead the rest of the set, collecting the 25-14 win. PLU never trailed in the final two sets, securing a 25-17 victory in the fourth before seizing an early 6-2 lead en route to a 15-9 win in the fifth and final set to wrap up the match.

"What an epic battle tonight," said Head Coach Kevin Aoki. "The difference between the first two sets and the final three sets was all the young ladies we have on this team. They decided that we weren't going down without a fight. This is one of our biggest victories in my 22-years, because it's tough to win three, especially on the road down two sets."

Epker finished with a double-double with a team-high 14 kills along with 15 digs and four blocks. Mackenzie Harris tallied 10 kills and six blocks with Danielle Skibiel adding nine kills along with six blocks. Kiana Calles netted 47 assists and 14 digs while Caylie Shiramizu closed the match with a team-high 20 digs.

"Our team showed more resilience and heart tonight than any team I have ever been a part of," said Julia Hutchison. "We've worked so hard this season and tonight we proved ourselves. I'm proud to be a Lute!"

The Lutes return to the court on Saturday afternoon, facing Whitman College at 5 p.m. in Walla Walla, Washington.