Volleyball Cruises Past Oxy

LA VERNE, Calif. — The University of La Verne women's volleyball team notched its fourth straight sweep as it defeated Occidental, 25-15, 25-15, 25-21 on Tuesday night.

How it happened: La Verne used its dominant service game to keep the Tigers off balance and that led to easy offensive opportunities.

The Leopards took control in the middle of the first set after trading points early. After Oxy got within 12-8 on a Claire Strohm kill, Kelsi Robinson registered two aces and Yaxley put down two kills to run away to a 17-8 lead. The Tigers never won more than two points in a row and the Leopards took the set, 25-15.

The Leopards took control early in the second set, winning 10 of the first 12 points to take a 10-2 lead. Eight different Leopards notched kills as La Verne went on to take the set, 25-15.

Oxy took a lead for the first time in the third set and led by as many as 17-14. But as they had done all season, the Leopards turned on their jets in the middle of the set and went on a 5-0 run to retake the lead and gain control of the set. Oxy then took three of the next four points to get within 22-21, but committed three straight errors to hand the set and match to La Verne.

Players of the game: Yaxley had a match-high 13 kills to go along with nine digs and two aces. She also showed leadership in a clutch situation, knocking down three straight kills when La Verne went down by two points in the third set to get the lead back.

Cassie Thompson had six kills on eight attempts and Robinson registered five aces.

Kailey Faust and Tiffany Mancuso each had 18 assists.

Stat of the game: La Verne recorded 12 service aces to Oxy's two. The Leopards kept Oxy scrambling all night, which led to poor attempts for the Tigers and easier opportunities for La Verne.

What it means: La Verne improves to 15-3 overall and 7-2 in SCIAC play with a tight grip on a SCIAC Postseason Tournament spot.

Up next: The Leopards travel to No. 18 Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (8-1 SCIAC) on Friday at 7:30 p.m. to take on the Athenas for a share of second place in the standings. La Verne lost a close five-setter to CMS on Sept. 20.

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