La Verne, CA - The University of La Verne volleyball team welcomed the University of Redlands to The Tents to open the 2022-2023 SCIAC season. Opening conference play at home after competing across the country in a tournament this past weekend, the Leopards were rejuvenated and energized to perform in front of the home crowd.
The first set would see La Verne fall behind early 3-2 but after tying the game at 3-3, the Leopards never looked back. La Verne scored seven straight points, taking a 10-3 lead before Redlands would score again. The Bulldogs never threatened the first set as the Leopards would win by a score of 25-12. Kari Essef had five kills in the set for the Leopards.
The second set would see La Verne continue their dominance, jumping out to an early 8-2 lead. Two kills in a row from Madison Hudson put the Leopards up 10-5, countering a short run by the Bulldogs. As the second set of play continued, both teams would score but the Leopards finished the set off in convincing fashion, winning by a final score of 25-16.
The third and final set proved to be no contest as La Verne would complete the sweep of Redlands when a kill by Nalani Young secured the Leopards a 25-9 victory. Mya Ray added four kills in the final set.
The Leopards will travel to Cal Lutheran for a match Friday, September 23rd. The match starts at 7:00 pm.