CLAREMONT, Calif. –
Kira Mortensen recorded a season-high 17 kills for the Cal Lutheran women's volleyball team, but the Sagehens of Pomona-Pitzer won the five set battle 21-25, 24-26, 25-21, 25-21, 15-13 on Friday night at Voelkel Gymnasium.
The Regals (5-9,1-5 SCIAC) took the first two sets before dropping the last three, allowing the Sagehens to complete the reverse sweep.
With Cal Lutheran up 9-3 in the first, Pomona put up a fight with a 9-1 run to take the score to 12-10. That was no threat to the Regals as they collected 10 more kills and a service ace to take the set back 25-21. The second set featured another long point streak for the Sagehens, but nothing that Cal Lutheran couldn't handle. Kills from six different Regals, two blocks, and two aces allowed them to take the set 26-24. Pomona then took the next two sets, sending the teams into a decisive fifth. Cal Lutheran fought off one match point before the Sagehens came away with the victory.
Head Coach
Kellee Roesel said "I thought the kids battled and stuck with the game plan for the majority of the match. Pomona is a group of seasoned players who are very well coached and our kids gave it everything they had. Proud of our efforts and the amazing efforts of our bench, who consistently show everyone how connected this group is and their love and belief in each other".
Pomona-Pitzer (10-6,5-1 SCIAC) hit .221 in the match with Kylie Mies and Savanna Cespedes combining for 47 assists. Mies posted a double-double with 27 assists and 25 digs, while Samantha Grabb led with 17 kills. Corrina Benson collected seven service aces for the Sagehens.
Mortensen and
Sophia Muller led the offensive production for the Regals. Mortensen led all players with 17 kills and seven blocks. Muller finished with 11 kills and four blocks on the night.
Tarin Rueckert was close behind with 10 kills in the match.
Tess Holbert was all over the floor, recording a double-double with 29 assists and 17 digs.
Keegan Corley also had a strong night, posting a season-high 28 digs and added six assists.
The Regals return home tonight to rest before their next match. They will host the Tigers of Occidental College on Saturday, October 12th at 6:00 PM in Gilbert Arena.
