SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - Southwestern showed just why they are a top-ranked team on their first day of action, defeating Mills College and #21 Elmhurst in straight sets Friday. 

The Pirates were red hot in game one, allowing just seven points in the first two sets to Mills. SU closed the match 25-12 in the third set and were led by Kate Mitchell and Jamison Duck who posted six kills each. Taylor Beltz had a team high 10 digs and Megan Grimes tallied 20 assists. 

It was no surprise that #21 Elmhurst was going to be a tougher challenge, but Southwestern easity rose to the challenge to win the first set 25-18. The Pirates took the second set 25-22 and were able to pull out the third set to stay perfect 26-24. 

Brittany Hohlt led offensively with nine kills while Mitchell added eight. Jamison Duck posted 10 assists and three aces to lead SU in both categories. Grimes led with 14 digs while Duck right behind with 13. 

"We looked very polished for an early season match in our serving and passing against Elmhurst," said Head Coach Don Flora. "Having good offense from Piper Sisemore and Kate Mitchell and an elite setter in Megan Grimes was key to our wins today."

Southwestern (2-0) closes their California trip on Saturday, facing Western New England at 4 pm CT and UC Santa Cruz at 9 pm CT. 

A 2-0 day and a High Quality win over #21Elmhurst (3-0) @SUPiratesVB and @jamisonduck & squad served and passed clean & solid in victory! pic.twitter.com/IAAE3DhdKt

— Don Flora (@CoachDonFlora) September 1, 2017