PORTLAND, Ore. – Whitworth University closed out the first half of its 2016 Northwest Conference volleyball schedule with a dominating three-set sweep at Lewis & Clark College on Friday night.

The Pirates (13-4 overall, 7-1 NWC) rallied to win the opening set, then cruised in sets two and three for a 25-21, 25-16, 25-9 victory over the Pioneers (4-10, 3-4 NWC).  Whitworth has won ten of its last 11 matches and will finish the first half of conference play at least tied for first place in the NWC standings.

Perhaps showing a little sluggishness after winning on Wednesday night, then traveling on Thursday, the Bucs found themselves trailing by five points midway through the opening set.  But the Pirates used a 7-1 run to turn a 14-9 deficit into a 16-15 lead.  Whitworth won the set on Erin White's service ace.

Lewis & Clark was still within 13-10 in the second set before the Pirates finished the frame by outscoring the Pioneers 12-6.  Whitworth posted a team hitting percentage of .290 while holding L&C to a percentage of -0.033.

The Pirates jumped ahead 7-2 and rolled to the sweep by dominating the third set.  Whitworth improved its hitting percentage to .429 in the final set to finish the match with an overall percentage of .281. 

Cassandra Mendoza led the Bucs with ten kills.  Brenna Bruil added seven kills and was in on four blocks, while Lauren Budde had seven kills and did not commit a hitting error.  Erin White had 28 assists and Taylor Wicht ended with 20 digs.

Emma Contreras came off of the bench to lead L&C with six kills. 

Whitworth will return to action with a home, non-conference contest against Lewis-Clark State on Wednesday night at 6:00 pm.