Written by Student Assistant Christian Bond

TACOMA, Wash. – The Pacific Lutheran University volleyball team clinched at least a share of the Northwest Conference title and an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament with a win over the University of Puget Sound in straight sets by scores of 25-16, 25-22 and 25-20 on Wednesday night inside Olson Gymnasium.

"We clinched a tie for the Northwest Conference championship tonight, but more importantly, we earned an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament and we are the first team to get in," PLU head coach Kevin Aoki said.

The Lutes (19-4, 13-2 NWC) earned at least a share of the title with one match remaining in the regular season, hoisting at least a share of the NWC title for the 10th time in program history and the first time since 2014. Pacific Lutheran can claim the title outright on Friday night.

PLU cruised to a win in the first set over Puget Sound (10-12, 7-8 NWC), jumping out to an early 7-3 lead and never looking back for the 25-16 set win. The Loggers fought back in the second set, tying the game at 21 all but Pacific Lutheran would go on a 4-1 run to close out the set and get the win. The Lutes finished the match with a smooth 25-20 victory in the third set.

Isabella Zubrod had an outstanding match for the Lutes. She tied for a match-high 12 kills and hit .345 on the night. Chloe Epker smashed home eight kills, Danielle Skibiel added seven, while Mackenzie Harris finished with six successful attacks.

Kiana Calles made most of the kills possibly by supplying 32 assists. Caylie Shiramizu kept the Loggers from scoring often, scooping up 22 digs. Epker was also solid on defense adding 15 digs to her statline. Gabrielle Alley had eight digs and Julia Hutchison had five.

"Everybody bought into working hard every day and staying together as a team," Aoki said. "That's probably the most fun part. Winning is icing on the cake. What our women stand for is being good teammates for their team and I think that's the most important part. Winning is a byproduct from that."

The Lutes last regular season game takes place in Newberg, Oregon against George Fox University on Friday night at 7 p.m. Pacific Lutheran will learn where and who it will play in the NCAA Division III Tournament on Monday at 9:30 a.m. during the NCAA Selection Show which can be viewed online at NCAA.com.