Photo by: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

REDLANDS, Calif. – The Whittier College women's volleyball team achieved their first SCIAC win in impressive fashion as they rolled past the University of Redlands for the first time in Coach Olivers tenure 23-25, 25-11, 25-10, 25-23.

After their five set loss to the Sagehens of Pomona-Pitzer, the Poets (2-6, 1-1 SCIAC) bounced back in impressive fashion as they outhit the Bulldogs 49-35.

Sophomore outside hitter Alayna Rigo connected on match highs in hitting (.417) and kills (19).  That aforementioned hitting mark was the highest this season for the Poets and her kill total was her season high.

Junior transfer outside hittier Alyssa Sialaris enjoyed yet another impressive night as she totaled 13 kills. 

Transfer senior setter Alessandra Rios posted 41 assists – nine more than her previous season high and added 11 digs for her first double-double of the season. 

Junior libero Adriana Moore led the team in digs with 19 for the third time this season.

The purple and gold held the advantage in every statistical category including hitting percentage (0.176-0.05), kills (49-35), assists (48-33), service aces (9-4), digs, (68-53), and blocks (9.0-5.5).

After the game Coach Oliver explained that it was a "huge win for us tonight.  In my five years here at Whittier, we have only beaten Occidental and Caltech in SCIAC play and this is the first time we have beaten Redlands.  The girls came out with a vengeance in games two and three and then they got a big confidence booster by pulling out a close fourth game.   The team is growing and gaining experience and this is definietly a good kickoff for Chicago."   

If Whittier continues to have nights like this, it will be only a matter of time before they begin competing with the top teams in the conference. 

Looking ahead, Whittier takes to the air as they fly back to Chicago, Ill. as they take part in the Chicago Tournament that goes for two days on September 23-24.  They will play against opponents including Elmhurst, Chicago, Central, and Loras.  They will return home to take on the Tigers of Occidental College on September 30 beginning at 7:30pm.