TACOMA, Washington — Southwestern volleyball wrapped up its first week of the season with its fourth consecutive win, defeating the Puget Sound Loggers in four sets (24-26, 25-22, 25-17, 25-18).
The Pirate attack started slowly, struggling with just eight kills to five errors for a .068 hitting percentage in the first set. Still, Southwestern withstood 17 Puget Sound kills to push the set into extra points. Southwestern's defense found its footing after the set, holding the Loggers to .100 and .029 hitting percentages over the following two sets. The attack followed suit, increasing its efficiency with each set.
"Today was a high-quality win over a good, athletic offensive team," Southwestern volleyball head coach Don Flora says. "The team handled their focus well after a tough battle of a first set. Seeing the team ask one another to step up and make plays was so good to see."
Outside hitters Christina Kuras and Emma White finished with double-digit kills for the Pirates. Kuras led Southwestern with 12 kills on a .206 clip, and White had 10 kills and 18 digs. Middle blockers Riley Brantley and Andie Valenzuela were also efficient at the net for Southwestern. Brantley had nine kills on 18 attacks with just one error for a team-best .444 hitting percentage. Valenzuela had four kills on a .308 hitting percentage and three block assists.
"Riley and Andie are beginning to give us real quality swings from the middle position in transition," Flora says. "The setter-to-middle connection is growing well."
Claire Romo led the team with 22 assists, and Katelyn Whitehead had 20 assists and 11 digs. Ali Grona led the Pirates with 23 digs and three service aces.
"Defensively, we made some important adjustments that helped us slow down their offense," Flora says. "Going 3-0 this weekend is the type of results you want to see early in the season."
Next weekend, Southwestern (4-0) will travel to Richardson, Texas, to compete in the University of Texas at Dallas Fall Festival with matches against Aurora, LeTourneau, Texas-Dallas, and Carnegie Mellon.
