COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The 12th-ranked Pacific Lutheran University closed out its non-conference slate on Saturday at the Spike It Up Classic, outlasting the University of Minnesota Morris 3-2 (25-23, 25-27, 24-26, 25-8, 15-13) in the opener before falling 3-0 (25-13, 25-12, 25-10) to second-ranked Colorado College in the nightcap.

"It was a great day because we learned some things about our team," said Head Coach Kevin Aoki. "When you're a little off but still managed to pull the win out through perseverance and grit, that speaks well and we can put in our memory bank. With just 30 minutes to rest before taking on #2 Colorado College was a very tough task."

In the opener against the Cougars (3-6), the Lutes (7-1) rallied to win the final two sets of the day, emerging with the 3-2  win. PLU turned the tide in the fourth set, surging out to 7-1 lead and never looked back to secure the dominating 25-8 set win to force a decisive fifth set. In the fifth, the score was deadlocked at 12 before kills from Mackenzie Harris and McKenzie Pfeiffer sandwiched around a Cougar error gave the Lutes the 15-13 victory to win the match.

Danielle Skibiel and Harris provided the one-two punch, finishing with 17 and 15 kills, respectively. Isabella Zubrod dished up 22 assists while Ava Nelson tallied 21.

Defensively, Chloe Epker and Caylie Shiramizu paced the squad, each finishing with 21 digs.

In the nightcap, the opening set was deadlocked at 10 before the host Tigers (8-0) ripped off 15 of the next 18 points to secure the set win. CC claimed set two after collecting six of the last seven points before wrapping up the match after scoring 10 of the first 12 points in the third set.

"CC was firing on all cylinders and we learned why they're ranked so high."

Skibiel led the Lutes with six kills while Epker led the defensive efforts with 10 digs.

Caylie Shiramizu and Isabella Zubrod both earned selection to the All-Tournament team, claiming the honor for the second consecutive weekend.

The defending Northwest Conference Champion Lutes open up their title defense on Friday, hosting Pacific University inside Olson Gymnasium.

"Non-conference was a success for the Lutes because we have come together in just a short time. We look forward to conference play."