BOX SCORE

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Lewis & Clark volleyball team put together three solid sets on Friday night to earn its first Northwest Conference match of the season, taking down the Whitworth Pirates 25-16, 25-21, 25-18.

The win improves the Pioneers to 5-9 on the season and 1-4 in conference. The Pirates slip to 5-7 overall and 1-4 in the NWC.

Jennifer Dowdy and Kataleya Milan each knocked down a match-high 12 kills, while Brigitte Russo picked up 10 for the Pios. Leia Matsunaga kept the balls coming to her attackers, ending the contest with 41 assists. Starting the match as the teams libero, freshman Daniela de Kervor led all players with 23 digs, while Matsunaga and Milan each picked up 14. Kayla Ernewein led the team at the net with two blocks. 

The Pioneers put together a strong opening and closing set, hitting .271 in the first set before finishing with a .212 in the third. 

Whitworth, who struggled to put the ball down, were led by Nicole Leonard and Abi Hedlund who each finished with six kills. Tori LaBrie and Briauna Stadeli each had four kills for the Pirates.

Lewis & Clark returns to the court on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 5 p.m. against Whitman.