CLAREMONT, Calif. (Sept. 2, 2023) – Led by strong performances from transfer students Riley DeGroot (Ontario, Calif. / Mt. San Antonio College) and Mia Rogers (Irvine, Calif. / Crean Lutheran), the Whittier College volleyball team faced a tough loss against Nebraska Wesleyan, falling in straight sets to move to 1-2 on the young season.

The match took place at Roberts Pavilion on Claremont-Mudd-Scripps' campus as part of the Pacific Coast Classic Whittier split their first two matches on Friday.

DeGroot and Rogers each tallied seven kills, spearheading the Poets' offensive efforts. The pair also combined for three service aces, adding crucial points to the board. Rogers further showcased her defensive skills, registering the team's only solo block and contributing to two more, accounting for half of the Poets' total blocks in the match in an area where they were able to rival their opponents from the Midwest.

Supporting the front line, junior Morgan Lin (Glendora, Calif. / Glendora) filled a vital role with 11 assists and seven digs. Her all-around play was a bright spot in a challenging match where Whittier showed moments of promise, notably leading 16-15 in the first set after a strong run of eight wins in nine points. However, the Poets couldn't maintain their edge late in the set, ultimately losing the first set 25-19. Strong moments followed the Purple & Gold in the second and third sets, but they were unfortunately unable to string enough moments together to answer Nebraska Wesleyan in the ensuing sets.

Head Coach Chris Duarte-McDermott and the Poets will now turn their focus to the upcoming Whittier College invitational. The team is set to play three games over two days, opening the showcase against Whitworth University on Friday, Sept. 8, at 2:30 p.m.


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