Written by Student Assistant Christian Bond

TACOMA, Wash. – A sparkling night by Whitman College from the service line proved to be just enough on Saturday inside Olson Gymnasium as the Blues knocked of the Pacific Lutheran University volleyball team by a score of 3-2 (25-18, 20-25, 11-25, 25-20, 17-15).

The game was incredibly close as both sides traded runs throughout all five sets. The separation came from the service line as the Blues (1-5, 1-1 Northwest Conference) had 11 aces on the evening with only three service errors. The Lutes (7-3, 1-1 NWC) had five aces, but made 10 service errors, costing them the contest.

"It just shows that in our conference, you have to come and play every night," head coach Kevin Aoki said. "We played as well as we did last night and had our chances, but they stepped up their game."

The Lutes got off to a slow start, dropping the first game 25-18. A seven point run in the second set helped the Lutes take it 25-20. The Lutes were dominant in the fourth set, winning 25-11. The Blues took the fourth set 25-20, and led 11-7 in the fifth. PLU tied the game at 15 before falling just shy of the win.

The Lutes had four players in double-figure kills at the end of the night. Chloe Epker led the way with 15 kills, adding 25 digs as well. Mackenzie Harris wasn't far behind with 13, while Danielle Skibiel and Isabella Zubrod each had 11. Caylie Shiramizu led the Lutes with 34 digs while Gabrielle Alley finished the evening with 14. Kiana Calles continues to dish out assists with ease, racking up 49 on the night while scooping up 19 digs.

"Again the middles dominated," Aoki said. "I think we have to get them the ball a little more. I'm proud of how we bounced back there at the end, but you can't afford to play on your heels the whole time when you do that."

The Lutes are back on the court on Friday, facing Linfield College at 7 p.m. in the team's first road trip of the conference season.