TACOMA, Wash. - After three consecutive weekends on the road, the two-time defending Northwest Conference Champion Pacific Lutheran University volleyball team gets to enjoy the comforts of home this weekend, hosting the Whits to open NWC action inside Olson Gymnasium. The Lutes open the lid on NWC play Friday night against Whitworth University before facing Whitman College on Saturday. First serve both nights is set for 7 p.m.
The Lutes (7-5) spent last weekend away from home in La Verne, California, playing against Whittier College, University of La Verne, Chapman University, and Pomona-Pitzer Colleges at the Leopard Invitational. Starting fresh with the game against Whittier, the Lutes pulled off a 3-2 win before feeling the fatigue of consecutive weekend tournaments and facing tough defeats the rest of the weekend.
Despite the final scores, the Lutes put up fair fights against the other teams with setter
Emily Dulaney pulling a double-double with 28 assists and 11 digs in their game against Chapman, and 44 assists in their final game against Pomona-Pitzer.
A sophomore nursing major, Dulaney sees similarities to last year's season even though there have been changes in personnel. The team dynamic continues to be positive, and the drive to win remains.
"We have a different look since we have two new coaches and five new players, but just like last year, the team is committed to try and win the NWC title and hopefully make it to Nationals!" Dulaney said.
Now three weeks into their competitive season, the Lutes have had time to gel as a squad and it shows on the court. Dulaney is proud of their development as a team and is excited to see more progress in the future.
"When the season first started it was a mix of returners who hadn't played together for nine months, as well as some new players," Dulaney said. "It's really cool to see where we are now and how much our communication and teamwork have improved."
This Friday, the Lutes open their NWC competitive season with home matches against Whitman and Whitworth. Defending their two consecutive NWC champion titles, the team is ready to hit the court again, this time on their home turf.
"As for this weekend, I hope we have fun and win!" Dulaney said. "We have been working so hard during preseason so a win would be awesome for our team and supporters!"
Sept. 20: PLU vs. Whitworth at Olson Gymnasium (7 p.m.)
Series History: The Lutes and Pirates have met 79 times since the 1982 season with PLU holding a slim 42-37 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 (6-4) heads to Tacoma looking to snap a two-match slide. Last weekend the Pirates traveled to Colorado for the Pikes Peak Challenge, winning the opener 3-1 over Birmingham-Southern College before falling 3-1 to Transylvania University and 3-0 to host Colorado College.
Sept. 21: PLU vs. Whitman at Olson Gymnasium (7 p.m.)
Series History: The Lutes and Blues have battled 81 times on the court since 1982 with PLU holding a commanding 62-19 edge in the all-time series. PLU swept the season series last year, prevailing 3-0 in both matches.
About the Blues: Whitman (0-6) heads into the weekend searching for its first victory of the 2019 season. Last weekend the Blues played at the DePauw Tiger Invite, dropping matches against Alma College (3-1), host DePauw University (3-0), Westminster University (3-1), and Aurora University (3-0). Elyse Benavides leads the team with 43 kills while defensively, Claire McCarthy averages 3.95 digs per set.
