SANTA CRUZ, Calif. – In their second day of action the #5 Southwestern Volleyball team easily handled Western New England 3-0 before taking down host-institution UC Santa Cruz 3-2.

SOUTHWESTERN VS. WESTERN NEW ENGLAND

Jamison Duck and Kate Mitchell led the way with nine kills each with Mitchell posting an astounding .643 attack percentage in the win. Megan Grimes had 29 assists with Brandi Campos leading with 12 digs. SU won 25-16, 25-19, 25-20 to earn the 3-0 sweep.

SOUTHWESTERN VS. UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz gave the Pirates all they had to close the weekend. SU started out blazing, hitting .321 in the first set to win 25-12. The Banana Slugs bounced back and took sets two and three 25-17, 25-22. The Pirates got back at it, however, and closed the match with 25-12 and 15-7 set four and five wins.

Mitchell led the attack with 17 kills while Brittany Hohlt added 13. Brandi Campos posted 20 digs and Grimes 41 assists.

FROM COACH FLORA

"Having the guts to find a way to a quality win versus an incredibly scrappy and well coached UCSC team was great for this program.  Again, we were very good behind our block defensively and Megan Grimes made numerous positive setting choices and distributed the offense really well."

"Our three pin hitters handled a heavy load of the offense at high level tonight."

"Getting it done tonight at a tough place to play and against a much improved UCSC team sets a nice tone for our next few weeks and season."

HONORS

Mitchell was named tournament MVP while Jamison Duck earned first team honors and Piper Sisemore second team. 

UP NEXT

Southwestern (4-0) comes home for the first time this year as they host schools from around the nation. The Pirates face East Texas Baptist and Christopher Newport Friday.

Megan Grimes led the offense and dug a ton of balls. 4-0 on the new season! A lot to learn from and grow on!!!! @SUPiratesVB #div3vb pic.twitter.com/6NuDBJ6WZm

— Don Flora (@CoachDonFlora) September 3, 2017