LA VERNE, Calif. – Augustana women's volleyball split two non-conference games this evening at the Pacific Coast Classic in California. The Vikings battled through two opposite matches, and were on both ends of two sweeps.
 
To start play, Augustana faced off against the Poets of Whittier College. Whittier jumped out to an early lead in the first set and were up by as much as 13 points in the period. The Vikings attempted to claw back into contention with three straight Olivia Doak scores. The rally was too little, too late, as Whittier rolled 25-14 in the first set.
 
The Vikings regrouped and kept things much closer throughout the second and third sets. Augie knotted the score at 20 apiece late in the second before the Poets rattled off a few unanswered and took the 2-0 lead. The third set went similarly to the second, with a late charge from Augustana but solid finishing by Whittier.
 
In the first game of the day, Augustana's offense was led by Emily Schipper and Jaden Julius with 10 and nine kills, respectively. Schipper also led the way on the front line of defense with two blocks. Grace Vranicar and Amelie Baehr-Ross were rock solid on the back end with 11 digs each. Brook Fieldman also demonstrated her versatility with three serving aces to add to Augustana's efforts.
 
In the second, and final, game of the day, Augustana turned the tables and swept the Lions of Eastern Nazarene by a score of 3-0.
 
The Vikings started strong in the first set and did not look back, dominating Eastern Nazarene 25-7.
 
Set two was much of the same, despite a bit more resistance from the Lions. Eastern Nazarene was within three points before Augie pulled away to win 25-14. The final set of the day was significantly more competitive. Augustana made several clutch plays to neutralize Lions and earn the sweep.
 
Augie was led by a balanced attack featuring Rachel Galluzzo and Sydney Krueger, who each recorded six kills to lead the team. Ja'Nya Davis and Emily Schipper, who continued her excellent play from the previous match, led the defense with two blocks each. Vranicar picked up another 11 digs.
 
Augustana will play two more games at the Pacific Coast Classic tomorrow afternoon. First, the Vikings will tilt with George Fox University at 1:45 P.M., and then finish the weekend's action against Pomona-Pitzer and 4:00 P.M. Both matches are central standard time.