Story by Sebastián Abdón Ibarra, Sports Information Student Assistant

LA VERNE, CA — The University of La Verne volleyball team faced a difficult test in their home conference opener as they took on No. 2 ranked Claremont-Mudd-Scripps. The Leos battled in every set but ultimately lost to the Athenas 3-0.

Set Scores: 25-13, 25-14, 25-14

Late into the third set with La Verne down 14-9, Aliyah Mosser, who had recently entered the game, led the charge on a combined block with Rylee Callen that brought the Leos within four points and the chance to live another set. It was the first action the outside hitter from Covina had seen since Sept. 10. However, the block would be the last high point as the Leos could not pull much closer than that and ultimately lost the set.

"I was just hoping for us to really come out and compete hard and give it a good effort. CMS, they're the number two team for a reason. That is a very good volleyball team," University of La Verne volleyball head coach Jeff Hendershot said. "For us what I was saying was one point at a time. I told them we are going to take it one play at a time and see what happens. We get a set, we get a couple sets, we get a match, whatever happens just play and consistent."

Emily Heldenbrand and Madison Smith worked to keep the Athenas' forceful spikes off the ground with nine and eight digs respectively. Jordyn Patton made her second appearance on the court in a row for La Verne tying a team-high eight assists. Heldenbrand added with eight assists of her own.

Jenna Holmes led all players in kills for Claremont-Mudd-Scripps with 10 and a .500 kill percentage. Melanie Williams added eight kills and a .467 kill percentage. The Athenas hit .316 in the match.

The Leos are back in action today with a road game at Chapman at 4:00 pm.