In a mixed weekend for Whitworth volleyball, the Pirates beat George Fox University on Friday, Oct. 23, but fell on Saturday to Lewis & Clark College. The two home games featured many lessons for the Pirates as they head into the final stretch of the regular season, and also showed how good they can be when they play together.
Friday’s match at home against No. 2-ranked George Fox Bruins, showcased just how potent the Pirates can be. In a reverse performance of their previous Friday game, the Pirates pummeled George Fox to win in three sets.
In the first game, the Pirates controlled the tempo down the stretch; and while never holding a commanding lead, they never trailed. The Bruins closed the gap to one late in the set, but the Pirates responded and finished the game on a run to close it 25-20.
The second game started out in much the same fashion as the first, but changed quickly as the set progressed. The Bruins were able to jump to a three-point lead, but the Pirates responded and pulled ahead 19-17. However, the Bruins answered in turn, leading to a score of 22-24 and a few very tense plays for the Pirates. Despite the pressure, the Bucs stayed confident and went on a four-point streak to close the match 26-24.
The third and final game stayed close until the halfway point, when the Pirates went on an 11-4 run. Sophomore outside hitter Ka’ipo Rocha finished the game with three straight kills to end the match.
The second match of the weekend, played on Saturday, was also held at home in the Fieldhouse. In the first game, the Pirates jumped out to an early lead over the visiting Lewis & Clark Pioneers, in what was beginning to look like a repeat of their performance the previous evening. However, the Pioneers battled back, going on an 8-2 run to bring the score within two points. The momentum continued to swing in the Pirates favor, and they closed out the match 25-19.
The second game started out much like the first had ended with Lewis & Clark controlling the tempo for the opening stretch. However, the Bucs battled back and retook the lead. The score remained close for the rest of the game, and the two teams switched leads several times down the stretch. In the end, the Pirates were able to end the game, winning by two on a kill by sophomore striker Bree Riddle.
The fortune did not continue for the Pirates, and Lewis & Clark closed out the next two sets with solid offensive play to win the match. The Pioneers won the third and fourth matches 25-19 and 25-7, respectively.
The win and loss give the Pirates a record of 5-7 in conference and 9-14 overall. The Bucs will face Puget Sound and Pacific Lutheran next weekend on the road.
Contact Peter Landgren at peter.landgren@whitworthian.com.
Bucs upset Bruins, fall to L&C
Published: Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Updated: Tuesday, October 27, 2009
 "Photo: Peter Labberton/Whitworthian")
Peter Labberton/Whitworthian
Senior outside hitter Tracy Schwada had 12 kills and a .323 hitting percentage in Saturday's game.
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