WHITEWATER, Wis. — The Pacific Lutheran University volleyball team went toe-to-toe with second-ranked University of Wisconsin-Whitewater on Friday evening but ultimately ran out of gas against the host Warhawks, falling 3-0 (25-21, 25-15, 25-23) inside the Kris Russell Volleyball Arena.

"I thought the experience we gained tonight will be beneficial going forward," said Head Coach Kevin Aoki.

"Playing Whitewater, one of the best D3 volleyball programs on their home court was just a great experience for our team. We look forward to our matches tomorrow against very good teams as well."

The host Warhawks (5-0) scored five of the first six points and staked a 19-9 advantage. PLU (1-3) gradually narrowed the gap before utilizing a 5-1 run, including kills from Haley Goto and Julissa Pernsteiner to pull within three at 24-21. UWW scored the next point, taking the set 25-21.

UWW tallied eight of the first 10 points in the second set only to have PLU close the gap to 13-10 after scoring four consecutive points. Pernsteiner started the run before getting an ace from Savanna Colliado, a Goto kill, and a block from Goto and Pernsteiner. The Warhawks answered with a run of their own, eventually securing the 25-15 set win.

PLU came out of the gate swinging in the third set, taking an 8-5 lead on an Ayre Takamoto kill. UWW would respond a few points later, scoring four straight to take a 12-10 lead. The scales tipped back in favor of PLU after a 4-0 run, including a Bailey Johnson ace to make it 15-13. The Lutes held an 18-16 edge before Whitewater scored five straight. PLU narrowed the gap to a single point twice, first at 21-20 and again at 24-23 but the Warhawks did just enough to stay ahead, securing the 25-23 set win to win the match in straight sets.

Shaela Allen-Greggs paced the Lutes with eight kills with Pernstyeiner adding seven along with three blocks. Ayre Takamoto had a double double on the night with a team-best 19 assists and 10 digs while Colliado had eight digs.

The Lutes continue the UW-Whitewater Invitational tomorrow with matches against Concordia University (Wis.) at 11 a.m. (Central) and Elmhurst University at 3 p.m. (Central).