Written by Student Assistant Christian Bond

TACOMA, Wash. – The Pacific Lutheran University volleyball team flexed its muscles on Friday night, defeating defending conference champion Whitworth University in convincing 3-0 (25-22, 25-23, 25-20) fashion in both the home and conference opener inside Olson Gymnasium.

The first set was tied at 21 before a Mackenzie Harris kill put the Lutes (7-2, 1-0 NWC) up for good. She additionally had the final kill as the Lutes went on a 4-1 run to close out the opening set, securing the 25-22 win. The Pirates answered with a 6-1 run to open the second set. The Lutes battled back to tie the game at 19 apiece. Isabella Zubrod delivered the dagger as PLU took the second set 25-23.

"It was great to see the way our team responded in that second set," head coach Kevin Aoki said. "We put together a pretty good run to finish them off."

After the break, the Lutes continued their success as they cruised to a 25-20 win in the third set to secure the sweep over the Pirates (3-6, 0-1 NWC), who entered the season as preseason favorites to repeat as champions. Kiana Calles was the catalyst to the offense. She had a game high 37 assists, getting her teammates involved while also adding 13 digs.

Harris was outstanding for the Lutes. She had 10 kills on 17 attacks, good enough for a .471 kill percentage. Danielle Skibiel was also efficient in her attacks. She had 16 tries, converting for seven kills. It was junior Chloe Epker who led the game in kills, finishing with 14 on the evening. Caylie Shiramizu led the defensive efforts, posting 24 digs.

"Our middles played really good," Aoki said. "That's what sets us apart from the other teams. Our two middles combined are pretty tough to stop. Epker also played really well. She had three errors after the first set, and she didn't have anymore after that."

The Lutes go for the weekend sweep tomorrow as they host Whitman College. That game is set to begin at 5 p.m. inside Olson Gymnasium.

"We just have to play our Lute volleyball and have some fun." Aoki said.