WALLA WALLA, Wash. – Whitworth closed its season-opening participation at the Whit Volleyball Classic hosted by Whitman College with a three-set sweep of Clarkson University on Saturday evening.

Ella Jimenez had a dozen kills to lead the Pirates (3-0) to a 25-13, 25-12, 25-19 victory over the Golden Knights (1-3).

Whitworth never trailed once in the match, opening leads of 5-1, 15-5 and 20-7 in the opening set.  The Pirates broke away from a 4-4 tie in the second game with a 7-1 run.  It was still 11-8 before Whitworth finished the second set by outscoring Clarkson 14-4 the rest of the way.  The final set was the closest of the match.  Leading 20-18, the Pirates outscored the Golden Knights 5-1 down the stretch.

Jimenez had 15.5 points with a dozen kills, two service aces and 1.5 blocks.  Lauren Kremer had seven kills (.375) and two solo blocks for nine points.  Taylor Miche finished with 19 digs on defense, while Josephine Thompson (19) and Megan Lange (12) combined for 31 assists.

Whitworth hit .163 while holding Clarkson to a -0.050 hitting percentage.

The Pirates will return to action next weekend at the prestigious Mary Peterson Invitational at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.