PARKLAND, Wash. – Pacific Lutheran had too much at the end of each set for visiting Whitworth, sweeping the Pirates in the Northwest Conference volleyball opener for both schools on Friday night.  The Lutes defeated the three-time defending NWC champion Pirates 25-22, 25-23, 25-20.

PLU improved to 7-2 and ended a five match losing skid to Whitworth that dated to 2014.  The Pirates dropped to 3-7 with their fourth straight setback.

Emiko Kahler had 12 kills and Cassandra Mendoza added 11, but it was not enough for the Pirates on Friday night.  Whitworth had chances to win every one of the three sets, but PLU pulled each one out at the end.

The opening set was close throughout.  After PLU led 8-4, the Pirates fought back to tie the frame 10-10 on a Mendoza kill followed by a Lute attack error.  Trailing 20-17, Whitworth scored three straight points to force a PLU timeout and a kill by Madison Douglas knotted the set at 21-21.  But PLU outscored Whitworth 4-1 down the stretch take the early lead.  Mackenzie Harris had two kills and a block in that final Lute rally.

Whitworth appeared to bounce back in the second set.  The Pirates were in control most of the way, taking five-point leads at 6-1, 12-7 and 19-14.  But PLU completely turned the momentum around and outscored Whitworth 11-4 from that point to pull out the 25-23 win in the second.

The Pirates led the third set 13-9, but PLU went on a 12-2 run to grab a 21-15 lead.  The Lutes then held off the Bucs the rest of the way to complete the sweep.

Gracie Meiners dished 29 assists and Taylor Wicht finished with 22 digs for Whitworth.  The Pirates hit .158 in the match.

Chloe Epker led PLU with a match-high 14 kills, while Harris added ten kills.  The Lutes hit .248 as a team.

Whitworth will return to action on Saturday at the University of Puget Sound.