TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University volleyball team hits the road once again this weekend, traveling to the eastern side of the state to face the Whits. The Lutes battle Northwest Conference leading Whitworth University on Friday night before facing Whitman College on Saturday for the squad's 19th road match of the season.
Last Friday, the Lutes (12-8. 5-3 NWC) stole the match win from Willamette University with a 3-2 victory after dropping the opening two sets of the match.
Kristin Moniz subbed in late in the fifth set and was serving for the final three points of the match, including a service ace in the 15-9 win to wrap up the match.
A sophomore Business Administration and Economics major, Moniz is grateful for the friendship and guidance from her fellow teammates with similar academic pursuits. Practices and lifting sessions help Moniz focus and manage her time well in order to be successful in both athletics and academics.
With a large volume of first-years contributing, Moniz appreciates playing on a talented young team. She commends her coaches for ensuring every player feels like a vital part of the team.
"Our coaches always make sure we know that each and every individual on the team has earned the right to be there, and everyone has an important role on the team, whether that be in a starting position or cheering on the bench," Moniz said. "I'm so grateful that my coaches are so supportive of everyone on this team."
So far this season, the Lutes have had 19 of 22 matches away from home while also having to compensate for the loss of outside hitter
Lauren Wilson to an early season injury.
"Because of this major change, our lineup has shifted quite a bit to accommodate our situation better. Our team dynamic has changed from absolute certainty to confusion, because of the loss of Lauren, to cautious optimism," Moniz said. "We have adjusted well to our new lineup and have seen thrilling success from it already."
This weekend, the Lutes will be making the long trek up to Whitworth and Whitman. Although a strenuous journey, Moniz is confident in her team to still hit the court ready for a fight.
"We all feel a bit worn out from continuous travel, but I know that our team is young and resilient and I have no doubt that we will play with the fire and intensity that we always have," Moniz said. "Our bench is the loudest bench in the Northwest Conference, and we make sure that our starters are having a ton of fun on the court."
This is the second time the Lutes will be playing the Whits this season. At the end of September, the Lutes suffered a loss to Whitworth 2-3, but beat Whitman in a resounding 3-0 victory. This weekend, the Lutes have a second chance to come away with double wins. Moniz is excited for this opportunity, but emphasizes the simple enjoyment of being a collegiate athlete.
"We are always reminded that the reason we want to keep playing volleyball at the collegiate level is because we just love playing the game," Moniz said. "That love for the game is what binds our team together, and together, we can accomplish anything."
Oct. 18: PLU vs. Whitworth in Spokane, Washington (7 p.m.)
Series History: The Lutes and Pirates have met 80 times since the 1982 season with PLU holding a slim 42-38 advantage in the all-time series. Last year the teams split the season series, with each team prevailing on their home court.
About the Pirates: Whitworth (13-5, 7-1 NWC) heads into the weekend perched atop the conference standings. The Pirates opened up conference play red-hot, winning their opening six matches before suffering a 3-1 setback to George Fox University at home last Friday. Whitworth rebounded on Saturday with a 3-1 win over Lewis & Clark College.
Emiko Kahler is the Pirates' offensive leader with 3.82 kills per set with Joelle Forbes setting up the offense with a team-high 312 assists on the season. Kiana Vandaele has a team-best 4.21 digs per set while Kahler averaged 3.1.
Oct. 19: PLU vs. Whitman in Walla Walla, Washington (6 p.m.)
Series History: The Lutes and Blues have battled 82 times on the court since 1982 with PLU holding a commanding 63-19 edge in the all-time series. PLU swept the season series last year, prevailing 3-0 in both matches.
About the Blues: Whitman (1-13, 1-7 NWC) dropped its opening 12 games of the season before finally breaking through last Friday with a 3-1 win at the expense of Lewis & Clark.
Elyse Benavides leads the team with 2.56 kills per set with Emma Anderson the top distributor with 5.35 assists per set. Defensively, Claire McCarthy averages 3.33 digs per set with Brooke Valentine adding 3.26 digs/set.
