KERRVILLE, Texas — The No. 16-ranked Southwestern volleyball team picked up its second win of the day in a tightly-contested four-set match against the Texas Lutheran University Bulldogs, winning 3-1 (25-22, 24-26, 27-25, 25-23).

Three of the four sets were decided by two points, including two sets that went into extra points between the two SCAC teams. 

"This team continues to hold together and support one another at a cool level," Southwestern head volleyball coach Don Flora says. "With a long day of volleyball, we were able to see a team shine." 

Southwestern overcame a quality performance by Texas Lutheran's Tanyse Moehrig-Woodard (14 kills on a .278 hitting percentage) with a defense that held every other Texas Lutheran attacker to single-digit kills. 

Ali Grona anchored the Pirate defense with a career-high 43 digs. Emma White had 23 digs, followed by Whitehead with 17, and Geneva Nedrow with 15. 

"Having 121 digs and Ali Grona averaging 10.3 a set, Emma White with 22 digs and 13 kills for a double-double is impressive," Flora says. "Showing some true grit in finishing well late in sets is a real positive sense of growth and maturity." 

The Pirates countered with a balanced attack directed by setters Katelyn Whitehead (29 assists) and Claire Romo (24 assists). 

Right-side hitter Lauren Crabtree led four Southwestern players in double-digit kills with 16 on a .220 hitting percentage. Middle blocker Andie Valenzuela continued her stellar play with 14 kills on a .407 clip, while Emma White contributed 13 kills and Riley Brantley added 10 and three block assists. 

"Katelyn Whitehead and Claire Romo continue to stay calm and make positive decisions each match," Flora says. 

Southwestern improves to 21-2, including 11-2 in conference play. The Pirates will face No. 7 Colorado College tomorrow at noon.