Southwestern University Pirates vs. #23 Pacific Lutheran University Lutes

Friday, Sep. 6, 2019 | 10 a.m. | Dallas, Texas

Historical Record: Southwestern 2, Pacific Lutheran 1

The Southwestern University Pirates (2-2) and Pacific Lutheran University Lutes (4-0) meet for the fourth time in the history of the respective programs. The Pirates previously came away with a pair of victories in 2016, winning in three sets in two different tournaments in September.

Common Opponents:

Southwestern University lost to Pacific Lutheran conference rival Whitworth University in three sets on Aug. 31. Whitworth was voted third in the Northwest Conference preseason coaches' poll. 

#23 Pacific Lutheran University Lutes

Northwest Conference Poll: 1st, defending champions

Record: 4-0

 The Pacific Lutheran Lutes have been dominant to start the season, taking three of their four victories in three sets. 

Pacific Lutheran has been deadly efficient with a .268 hitting percentage while holding its opponents to a .036 hitting percentage so far this season. Leading the way is 5-foot-11 senior middle blocker Danielle Skibiel, who has 39 kills (3.00 per set) on a .366 hitting percentage and 15 blocks, including six solo blocks. 

Kills: #5 Danielle Skibiel 39 (3.00/.366); #1 Lauren Wilson 33 (2.54/.179)

Blocks: #5 Danielle Skibiel 15.0 (6 solo, 9 assisted); #2 McKenzie Pfeiffer 6.0 (1 solo, 5 assisted)

Digs: #15 Halle Hetzler 43 (.930); #11 Emily Dulaney 41 (1.000)

Assists: #11 Emily Dulaney 118

Service Aces: #1 Lauren Wilson 8; #16 Madeline Dawson 5

Southwestern University

SCAC Polls: 3rd

Record: 2-2

The young Southwestern University Pirates team had an up and down performance during its opening weekend, kicking off the season with two victories, each in three sets. 

Southwestern was then defeated by Carthage University, who moved up to No. 19 in the latest national polls, and stumbled against Whitworth University, losing both matches in three sets each.

The Pirates are currently hitting .159 to their opponents' .143. Southwestern is led by sophomore right side Lauren Crabtree, who has 29 kills on a .211 hitting percentage with six assisted blocks, totaling a team-high 39.0 points. First-Year outside hitter Elleanna McGown had 28 total kills on a .256 hitting percentage with six block assists, earning Southwestern University Volleyball Fall Invite All-Tournament Team honors. 

Kills: #15 Lauren Crabtree 29 (2.42/.211); #6 Elleanna McGown 28 (2.33/.256)

Blocks: #5 Ashley Whitlock 9 (1 solos, 8 assisted); #10 Riley Brantley 8 (1 solo, 7 assisted)

Digs: #11 Ali Grona 52 (4.33/set); #15 Lauren Crabtree 32 (2.67/set)

Assists: #16 Katelyn Whitehead 96

Service Aces: #15 Lauren Crabtree 7; #10 Riley Brantley 5; #6 Elleanna McGown 5