WHITEWATER, Wis. — The Pacific Lutheran University volleyball team hung tough in all eight sets it played on Saturday during day two of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Tournament at Kachel Fieldhouse. The Lutes went the distance against Concordia University (Wis.) falling 3-2 (23-25, 25-19, 27-29, 25-23, 15-11) before coming up short against Elmhurst College 3-0 (25-19, 25-23, 25-21) to finish off the day. 
 
"We showed so much growth this weekend despite coming up on the short end in all three matches," said Head Coach Kevin Aoki.
 
"For the most part all three matches were closely contested and we will get back in the gym next week to focus on the areas that need improvement."
 
Against the Falcons (1-3), Pacific Lutheran came out of the gate swinging, building an 18-9 lead in the opening set off a kill from Alexis Eggert. The Lutes' (1-5) upped their edge to 24-18 after a Concordia attack error but the Falcons buckled down and scored the next five points to pull within one. Shaela Allen-Greggs made sure it wouldn't be any closer, getting a set clinching kill for the 25-23 set win.

The two teams went back in forth in the second set before CUW scored five straight to take a 19-13 lead. Concordia would lead the rest of the set, leveling the match with a 25-19 win.
 
The Falcons owned a 24-21 lead in the third set before a pair of Julissa Pernsteiner kills and a Falcon attack error tied the set. It was set point again at 25 before another Pernsteiner kill tied up the set. A Savanna Colliado ace turned the tide to the Lutes only to see the Falcons score the next two, making it 27-26. PLU responded with a kill from Haley Goto followed by a Concordia attack error. Samia Rudd cemented the set for the Lutes, getting a kill to earn the 29-27 set win. 
 
CUW scored three of the final four points in the fourth set, stealing a 25-23 victory before the Falcons scored five straight in the fifth to take control, gutting out a 15-11 set win to take the match.

Allen-Greggs finished with 15 kills while Eggert and Pernsteiner finished with 12 and 11, respectively. Ayre Takamoto had a match-high 47 assists with Macy Matsushima pacing the defense with 27 digs. Bailey Johnson and Colliado both added 16 digs. 
 
Against Elmhurst (1-6), the Lutes scored the match's opening four points, including a pair of aces from Matsushima. PLU led 17-16 later in the set but the Bluejays scored nine of the final 11 points to steal the opening set 25-19. The Lutes led early in the second set but Elmhurst did just enough down the stretch to scratch out a 25-23 set win. 
 
The third set was tied at 16 before Elmhurst rattled off five of the next six and led the rest of the way in a 25-21 victory to earn the match victory in straight sets.

Allen-Greggs again powered the Lutes with 10 kills while Pernsteiner added nine. Takamoto had 20 assists and nine digs wit Matsushima racking up 11 digs and four aces. 
 
The Lutes open up their home slate and close out non-league play on Friday, welcoming Columbia Bible College to Olson Gymnasium. First serve is set for 7 p.m.