TACOMA, Wash. - The 14th-ranked Pacific Lutheran University volleyball team returns home this weekend to host George Fox University on Friday and Lewis & Clark College on Saturday inside Olson Gymnasium.
Last weekend the Lutes (12-2, 5-1 Northwest Conference) traveled to eastern Washington picking up a win against Whitman College (3-0) before falling to Whitworth University in straight sets (3-0).
The Lutes are looking to bounce back this weekend at Olson Gym.
"I think we are just going to have a short memory," said senior
Mackenzie Harris. "Last weekend was tough, but I think you'll see a different energy on the court this weekend, we're ready to play free and have a ton of fun."
Harris is in her senior year and is loving life as a Lute. "My favorite part about being on a team is the people I get to be around. We have so much fun together and I love competing with all of the women."
Last season Harris was an Honorable Mention All-American and ranked second in the nation in blocks. She currently leads the Northwest Conference this season in blocks.
Harris is also really excited for her senior year off the court. She's a Psychology major with a Sport and Exercise Psychology minor, with a future goal of doing leadership and motivational training for companies.
"My interest definitely stems from my love of building relationships with people (mostly from being on sports teams). I love connecting with people and I also think that we can always use a few more people with great leadership qualities in this world."
Although she has a packed senior schedule with school, volleyball, and work, Harris finds time to have fun outside of her responsibilities.
"I love spending time with my family, getting outside, and spending time with friends."
Harris is very excited about her senior season, working toward a common team goal of repeating as Northwest Conference Champions and progressing in the NCAA Tournament.
Oct. 5: PLU vs. George Fox at Olson Gymnasium (7 p.m.)
Series History: The Lutes have dominated the all-time series, enjoying a 41-25 record against the Bruins, including winning 19 straight.
About the Bruins: George Fox (7-7, 1-5 NWC) heads to Tacoma having dropped six of its last seven matches. The Bruins' lone win during that stretch was a 3-1 victory at the expense of Linfield College last Friday.
Danyle Dupray is GFU's top offensive threat, averaging 2.5 kills per set along with a team-high 24 aces. Sophia Lawrence powers the defensive efforts, averaging 4.76 digs per set while Alyssa Burch sets the tone up front, with 33 blocks.
Oct. 6: PLU vs. Lewis & Clark at Olson Gymnasium (5 p.m.)
Series History: The Lutes and Pios have met 86 times with PLU holding a 55-31 edge in the all-time series, including winning the last five encounters.
About the Pioneers: Lewis & Clark (9-4, 2-4 NWC) heads into the weekend having won two of its last three matches. The Pios downed Linfield 3-1 on Sept. 22 before falling 3-1 to Willamette University in a midweek tilt on Sept. 26. L&C rebounded last Saturday, taking down George Fox in five sets.
Kortney Meyer leads the team with 155 kills on the season. Michelle McGinn and Mikayla Lopez are the primary setters, averaging 4.37 and 4.33 assists per set while Annika San Nicolas leads the squad's defensive efforts with 167 digs on the season.
