TACOMA, Wash. - The 16th-ranked Pacific Lutheran University volleyball team clinched a share of its second consecutive Northwest Conference title on Friday night, taking down host George Fox University 3-1 (25-23, 26-24, 18-25, 25-15).

The opening set was tightly contested with the visiting Lutes getting a kill from Danielle Skibiel to close the opener 25-23. PLU (20-3, 13-2 NWC) led 24-21 in the second set before the Bruins (10-13, 4-11 NWC) netted the next three points to knot the score. A Bruin attack error and a Chloe Epker kill tilted the scales 26-24 in PLU's favor. GFU won four of the openign five points in the third set, netting a 25-18 win before the Lutes' scored the opening nine points in the fourth to cruise to the 25-15 win to secure the match and a share of the conference title.

"We hung in there all night and fought through some adversity mainly caused by a fired up George Fox team that sure played well," said Kevin Aoki.

Mackenzie Harris led the Lutes with 10 kills while Skibiel added nine. Isabella Zubrod and Emily Dulaney each netted 19 assists while Caylie Shiramizu led the defensive efforts with 21 digs.

"Caylie really served well in the fourth to really give us a jump start. We're excited to play Lewis & Clark tomorrow."

The Lutes close the regular season tomorrow evening, facing Lewis & Clark College at 5 p.m.