SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – In a battle of two NAIA Top-25 squads, the No. 15-ranked Corban University volleyball team spoiled the home debut for No. 9 Westmont College on Friday evening. The Navy and Gold swept the Warriors from Santa Barbara in straight sets (25-15, 25-19, 25-20) in an impressive road performance.
Tonight's loss marks the first time the Warriors from Santa Barbara have lost in straight sets on their home court since September 13, 2014.
"The team came in prepared, focused, and the girls knew they had to stay with the game plan throughout the match in order to come out with a win," said head coach Kim McLain. "I am proud of how they played as a unit."
The Warriors got off to a strong start, claiming a commanding 25-15 triumph in the first set of the match. After losing three of the match's first four points, Corban went on a pivotal seven-point run to take an 8-2 lead in the first stanza, holding on to that advantage for the remainder of the game.
Corban was able to maintain that momentum throughout each of the following two sets, never letting Westmont build steam in front of its home crowd.
The potent Westmont attack was held to a measly .105 hitting percentage as a unit, the lowest mark for the squad since October 4, 2019.
Avari Ridgway was the only player on either side to reach double-figure kills, racking up 10 on a .222 hitting percentage. Corban showcased the depth of its talent in the victory, with nine different members of the squad recording a kill.
Ridgway also led the squad in digs with 10, while Kealani Ontai finished right behind her with nine.
The Navy and Gold's setting tandem of Jadyn Mullen (13 assists) and Ciarra Judson (11 assists) combined to dish out 24 assists.
Corban (5-0) will return to the Murchison Gymnasium tomorrow afternoon for another matchup against the Warriors of Santa Barbara. The two teams will conclude their two-game series at 2 p.m.
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