TACOMA, Wash. - The 14th-ranked Pacific Lutheran University volleyball squad returned to the friendly confines of Olson Gymnasium on Friday night, besting Northwest Conference rival George Fox University 3-1 (25-15, 25-16, 24-26, 25-15).

The visiting Bruins took an early lead in the opening set before the Lutes scored five straight to take a 14-9 lead. The Lutes held a lead the rest of the set, scoring five of the final six points for the 25-15 win. The opening four points went to PLU in set two as the Lutes led wire-to-wire in the 25-16 win. George Fox proved they wouldn't go down without a fight, taking the third set 26-24 to avoid the sweep before succumbing to the Lutes 25-15 in the fourth as PLU remained undefeated at home this season.

"It was a good bounce back win for us after our temporary setback against Whitworth last weekend," said Head Coach Kevin Aoki. "I thought we came out with high energy and enthusiasm."

Mackenzie Harris led the Lutes with 12 kills while Chloe Epker had a double-double with 11 kills and 14 digs. Ava Nelson had 20 assists and four of PLU's 12 service aces while Isabella Zurbod had 14 assists and 12 digs. Caylie Shiramizu paced the PLu defense with 29 digs. 

The Lutes are back on the court tomorrow afternoon, hosting Lewis & Clark College at 5 p.m.