TACOMA, Wash. - A one-two punch of McKenzie Pfeiffer and Danielle Skibiel combined for 26 kills, powering the Pacific Lutheran University volleyball squad to a 3-1 (25-16, 25-22, 21-25, 25-20) victory over Northwest Conference rival Lewis & Clark College on Friday evening inside Olson Gymnasium.
 
The Lutes (15-10, 8-5 NWC) got extended mileage off the serves of Emma Peters and Hope Baldyga in the opening set, using a pair of scoring bursts to secure the opening set 25-16. Peters took the reins early, turning a 2-2 deadlock into an 8-2 Lute advantage while Baldyga had a pair of aces in a 7-0 scoring run, pushing the PLU advantage to 15-4. The Pioneers (8-14, 4-10 NWC) attempted a late rally, scoring seven of eight before an L&C service error gave the Lutes the set win.
 
Pacific Lutheran trailed the second set 22-21 before tying the set on a Lewis & Clark serving error. The Lutes collected kills from Pfeiffer and Hailey Iha followed by a Pio attack error, to escape with the 25-22 win. 
 
L&C would establish a 9-3 lead in the third, seizing the set 25-21. The Pios led 20-19 in the fourth set before the Lutes took control, scoring the final six points including an ace from Emma Peters and the match clinching kill from Pfeiffer to secure the 25-20 win and the 3-1 victory. 
 
"We came out strong and we knew that Lewis & Clark was going to come out and fight because we beat them in five last time. We know that this is our last weekend at home and we're just playing for each other in these last opportunities," said Peters.
 
Skibiel tallied 13 kills and 10 digs on the night while Pfeiffer matched her offensive production with 13 kills as well. Baylee Johnson tallied nine while Emily Dulaney tallied a team-high 38 assists along with 17 digs. Halle Hetzler finished with 29 digs while Ava Nelson tacked on 10. 
 
"I loved the way we came out tonight and battled through adversity," said Head Coach Kevin Aoki. "Make sure and come out tomorrow to support our four seniors on their special day."
 
The Lutes return to the court tomorrow at 6 p.m., hosting Pacific University on Senior Day.