LA VERNE, CA — The University of La Verne volleyball team closed the 2023 regular season with a critical sweep over Whittier College Saturday night.

The win places the Leopards in second place in the SCIAC and gives them home-court advantage in the SCIAC Semifinals. La Verne will host No. 3 Pomona-Pitzer on Thursday, November 9, at 7 p.m. The Sagehens have been a thorn in the side of the Leopards, handing them two of their three losses this season. But La Verne will have a chance to win the most important matchup between the squads in front of its home fans.

"That was a great team win for us tonight. Our seniors stepped up and played great. We had a balanced offense, no reception errors, and served tough. We played our best when needed. Locking up home court for the semifinals is huge. We can't wait to see Pomona-Pitzer on Thursday," said University of La Verne head volleyball coach Jeff Hendershot.

Mya Ray displayed versatility, posting season-highs with four aces and 15 digs. She also finishes the regular season as the SCIAC's top leader in kills with 425, nearly one hundred more than the closest player, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps' Jenna Holmes (328).

Fresh off of posting a career-high 13 blocks in a win at Cal Lutheran on Friday, Zacky Coaston added another dominating performance with a game-high five blocks. Coaston finishes the regular season as the SCIAC blocks per set leader (1.13) and third in total blocks (80).

Lauren Gott added 11 kills and 15 digs in the win. Malia Capistrano dealt 34 assists, and Madison Smith totaled 13 digs. 

The Leopards celebrated seniors Nalani Young, Ayana Mier, Kelly Yeung, and Noelani Soma in a pregame ceremony.