WALLA WALLA, Wash. — The Northwest Conference leading Pacific Lutheran University volleyball team extended its win streak to five on Friday night inside the Sherwood Center, dismantling host Whitman College 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 25-23).
 
The visiting Lutes (6-7, 5-0 NWC) led wire-to-wire in the opening set, securing the opening three points and six of the first eight. Baylee Johnson had three late kills in the first set, including the set clinching kill for a 25-20 victory. 
 
The Blues (3-9, 2-3 NWC) scored the first three points of the second set before PLU responded with seven straight to seize control. Claire Hindman tallied a pair of kills during the run while Halle Hetzler collected a pair of aces. PLU would play with the lead the rest of the set with another Johnson kill securing the set win, this time a 25-19 triumph. 
 
Little separated the Lutes and Blues in the third set that featured five lead changes and eight ties. A Hailey Iha kill put the Lutes ahead for good at 21-20 as PLU finished off Whitman 25-23 in the third to secure the squad's fourth straight sets victory of the conference slate.

"It was a good solid victory on the first of two matches in eastern Washington," said Head Coach Kevin Aoki.

"This was a great start to the weekend and we're looking forward to playing a tough Whitworth team tomorrow."
 
Hindman paced the Lute attack with 11 kills while Elle Thomas had 10 kills with a .333 attack percentage. Olivia Evaro collected a match-high 32 assists while Halle Hetzler closed the night with a match-high 22 digs. 
 
PLU remains in first place in the NWC standings as the only undefeated team. Four of PLU's five conference victories have been in straight sets as the Lutes are off to a 5-0 start for the second time in three years. 
 
The Lutes close out their road trip tomorrow night, facing Whitworth University at 6 p.m. in Spokane.