CLAREMONT, CA — The La Verne volleyball team looked to rattle off a third victory in a row Tuesday at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, but the No. 2 Athenas took it to the Leos in straight sets, 3-0. 

While it doesn't look like it in the result, La Verne played one of its best games of the season. The Leos hit nearly .200, their highest clip in SCIAC play this season, and held a few leads throughout the match.

In the second set, La Verne jumped out to a 13-8 lead after a 9-2 run with the freshmen taking charge of the floor. Madison Smith and Ha'ani Untalan collected a service ace apiece, one of Untalan's two on the evening, and Noelani Soma racked up two kills as well.

Soma hit at her highest percentage in nearly two weeks — .238, with her previous high being against Chapman, .438, Sept. 25.

Defensively the Leos out-blocked the Athenas 14-7. Juniors Jasmine Chandler, Kari Esseff, and Emily Heldenbrand combined for 10 of those blocks. Untalan and Soma each added two apiece as well. 

With the loss, the Leos drop to 7-9 and 3-6 in SCIAC, and with the win, the Athenas continue their unbeaten streak, 16-0, 9-0.

La Verne will look to bounce back against Chapman Friday, Oct 15 at The Tents.