TACOMA, Wash. - The 17th-ranked Pacific Lutheran University women's volleyball team wraps up the final homestand on Friday against Whitman College, and Saturday against Whitworth University inside Olson Gymnasium.
 
Last week the Lutes (17-3, 10-2 Northwest Conference) defeated the University of Puget Sound in straight sets (3-0) in a Wednesday night showdown, before returning home on Saturday, defeating Willamette University (3-0) inside Olson. 
 
The Lutes are looking to put in a strong performance this weekend for the seniors, who are playing their final home games as PLU student-athletes. The seniors have reflected on their favorite experiences at PLU and what they will miss the most, both on and off the court.
 
"My favorite memories are the preseason tournament as well as the breakaway trip that we go on each year! It's a really fun time to get to know everyone and spend time with each other!" said Chloe Epker.
 
"The thing I'll miss most is being part of a team. We're all one big family and although I've made lifelong friends, I'll miss getting to spend time with my teammates every day."
 
"My favorite memories throughout my time at PLU is getting to have the opportunity to be a student athlete and being able to take all of these different classes that I have never took before. My favorite memory in the volleyball program is pre-season where we bond together as a team and our bus rides when we travel to the other schools. These are my favorite memories because this is where we start to build those long-lasting relationships with each other and make them last forever," said Caylie Shiramizu. 
 
"What I will miss the most about PLU is walking around campus and being in a loving and inclusive environment. I will miss everything about it. From learning life lessons that it has taught me, to playing in a competitive varsity sport, and being able to represent my school and call myself a Lute. I will miss my coaches, teammates, and the fans that come support our games because without them my experience here at PLU wouldn't have been the same. It has been such a great journey throughout these four years with volleyball and PLU and I will never forget the memories that made it possible."
 
Jordan Sherfey said, "All of my favorite memories from PLU have been with the volleyball team.  My favorites include our team bonding activities during preseason, pre-game dance circles, the fall lip sync battle, and the rap performances on team bus rides."
 
"What I will miss the most about PLU and volleyball after graduation are the people.  My teammates have become my second family, and I have loved getting to grow with them physically, mentally, and spiritually over the years.  They are all incredibly supportive, and being with them both on and off the court brings me joy each day."
 
Mackenzie Harris stated, "My favorite memory would be when we got the chance to go to regionals last year. I think we played really well and had such a fun time in Texas together!"
 
I will miss all of the people the most. We've all gotten pretty close and I've made so many lifelong friends throughout the years, it's going to be hard not coming back next year."
 
Isabella Zubrod reflected, "My favorite memory was one of our first games of the preseason this year and all five seniors were on the floor. At that moment I knew that this year was going to be one for the memory books."
 
"I will miss the people the most after graduation. I will miss the bus rides home, the constant debate of a trip to Safeway or Red Robin for team dinner and the randomness of the team. I have one more year left of school so I will still see the girls and support them but it will not be the same!"
 
The Lutes plan on recognizing the seniors this weekend as they face-off against Whitman College on Friday at 7 p.m. and Whitworth University on Saturday at 7 p.m. in Olson Gymnasium.
 
Senior Salute: This year's senior class has had a tremendous impact on the program. The 2018 seniors have compiled a 69-26 record over the past four seasons, including a 47-13 mark in Northwest Conference action. The Lute seniors own a 26-6 record inside Olson Gymnasium. The seniors played a huge role in PLU winning the NWC title last season and advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. 
 
Socktober: The PLU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is collecting socks at all home events throughout the month of October. Donated socks will be sent to the Tacoma Rescue Mission in time for the holidays. 
 
Oct. 26: PLU vs. Whitman at Olson Gymnasium (7 p.m.)
 
Series History: The Lutes and Blues have met 80 times with PLU dominating the series with a 61-19 overall edge. The Lutes took the first meeting of the season, winning 3-0 back on Sept. 28 in Walla Walla.
 
About the Blues: Whitman (8-12, 4-8 NWC) heads into Olson Gymnasium having split the last two weekends of NWC play. That stretch saw the Blues earn 3-0 wins over Lewis & Clark College and George Fox University while falling 3-2 to Willamette University and 3-0 to Pacific University. 
 
Codie Conching leads the team with 212 kills (2.9 per set) and 33 aces while Claire McCarthy averages a team-best 4.3 digs per set.
 
Oct. 27: PLU vs. Whitworth at Olson Gymnasium (7 p.m.)
 
Series History: PLU enjoys a slim 41-37 edge over the Pirates in the all-time series. The Lutes will be out for revenge tonight after suffering a 3-0 setback to Whitworth back on Sept. 29 in Spokane. 
 
About the Pirates: Whitworth (17-6, 11-1 NWC) heads into the weekend sitting atop the conference standings, owning a one-game lead on the Lutes.
 
Whitworth's lone blemish of the conference slate was a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Puget Sound back on Sept. 28. Since then the Pirates have rattled off seven consecutive wins in league play with five of those victories coming in three sets. 
 
Jessica Schmautz leads the Pirates in kills, averaging 4.32 per set. Erin White averages a team-best 10.93 assists per set with 34 aces while Addy Woolery paces the squad with 322 digs on the year, averaging 4.18 per set.