SALEM, Ore. — The Pacific Lutheran University volleyball team toppled the Willamette University Bearcats 3-1 on Saturday evening. 

The theme of today's game was defense for the Lutes. After going down one set 26-24 early, PLU found another gear winning the next three 25-15, 25-23, and 25-17. PLU improves to 5-6 overall on the season and 3-1 in Northwest Conference play. Lutes are winners of the last 10 matches against the Bearcats.

"It was great night against a very good Willamette team," Head Coach Kevin Aoki mentioned. "Their record can be deceiving because they have played some tough conference matches. I thought our defense was the key tonight as we made it very difficult for them to score."

The Lutes led the battle at the nets out blocking the Bearcats 7-4. Ayre Takamoto led the way defensively finishing with a double-double with 29 assists and 22 digs. Offensively, Julissa Pernsteiner and Alexis Eggert showed out with 10 and eight kills a piece.

PLU returns to action Friday, October 3rd to play Linfield University with opening serve set for 7 PM.