WHITTIER, Calif. (Oct 22, 2022)- Whittier was looking to capture its second straight SCIAC victory in as many nights but feel in five sets to a tough Cal Lutheran team. This was also the women's Pink Out game in support of those affected by breast cancer. 

The first set opened and both teams were swinging and the game was tied at 6. The Regals were then able to string together a series of kills and go on a dominant streak to take a 22-11 lead. Cal Lu would take the set 25-13. 

Whittier would then come out for the second determined to bounce back. Cal Lu opened up on another run taking an 11-7 lead at one point before Whittier was able to eventually tie it at 15. The Poets were ultimately able to slam the door with a kill by Cheyanne Ybañez to capture a 25-22 victory. 

The third started with a great Regals run followed by one by Whittier. Neither team wanted to fall in this set, but the Regals were able to string together a long streak to take a 15-7 lead. Whittier fought back to make the score 17-15, but Cal Lu kept their cool and won the set 25-18.

Coming into a must-win set the women came out with a ton of energy. They were not backing down from their opponent. The Poets took an 11-7 lead and did not take their foot off the gas from there. Cal Lu would make a small comeback in the end, but Whittier held on to win 25-18.

This game would come down to a deciding fifth set. Cal Lu jumped out to a quick lead, but Whittier was able to fight back. The game was as close as 8-6; however, the Regals were able to capture a 15-8 victory. 

The Whittier women fought hard against the second-place team in the conference and took them to five sets. Ybañez captured a team-high 13 kills and 13 digs, while Xenia Villagomez contributed 11 kills herself. Lauryn Patrizio played great defense for the Poets and provided 13 digs and a service ace. 

Whittier's next game will come on Tuesday as it travels to face CMS, the No. 1-ranked team in the nation who has not lost a single set in conference play.

Photo: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

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