SHREVEPORT, La. — Southwestern middle blocker Andie Valenzuela led the Southwestern volleyball attack with a combined 21 kills on a .581 hitting percentage in wins over Schreiner and Centenary. 

Match 1: Southwestern 3, Schreiner 0 (25-15, 25-11, 25-13)

Southwestern dominated defensively in a three-set win over Schreiner, holding the Mountaineers to single-digit kills in all three sets and a negative hitting percentage in two of the three sets with Ali Grona (15 digs) and Emma White (11 digs) leading the effort. 

"You could sense the joy from the team after holding Schreiner to a -.302 hitting percentage while hitting .381 for the match," Southwestern head volleyball coach Don Flora says. "Defensively, the coaching staff really liked the way the team handled the game plan behind our block." 

Valenzuela led the way with 11 kills on a pristine  .667 hitting percentage while contributing two block assists. Katelyn Whitehead had 12 assists and two service aces. Ten different Pirates had at least one kill, and four had at least five kills. 

"Seeing teammates support and cheer emotionally for other teammates' successes was evident throughout this match," Flora says. "These are daily signs of this team truly caring for each other." 

Match 2: Southwestern 3, Centenary 0 (25-15, 25-23, 25-12)

Southwestern opened and closed strong, limiting Centenary to single-digit kills and a negative hitting percentage in the first and third set, keeping Centenary off-balance with seven service aces.

"We did a real solid job siding out today (65 percent for the match)," Flora says. "Our first touches in serve receive really set the tone for the offense. The team had a wonderful pre-game vibe, and that translated into a clean 3-0 win."

The Pirates hit .224 as a team, putting down 41 kills. Valenzuela led the way for a second consecutive match, totaling 10 kills on a .500 clip. Riley Brantley had six kills on a .333 hitting percentage. Southwestern's effective middle blockers opened things up for outside hitter Christina Kuras and right side Lauren Crabtree, who each hit over .300. 

Christina Kuras finished with nine on a .381 hitting percentage. Crabtree had seven kills on a .333 hitting percentage. 

"Riley and Andie continue to work hard in transition to get to space as middle attackers.  Their varied swing patterns are beginning to really open up space for the entire offense," Flora says. "It was also a good addition to have Lauren and Christina step up their efficiency attacking today.  They both showed good range and swing selection throughout the match."

Ali Grona led Southwestern with 16 digs. Katelyn Whitehead had 20 assists. The Pirates improve to 15-1 with a 6-1 conference record. Southwestern will play a mid-week game at Concordia on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.