iLA VERNE, CA — The No. 15 University of La Verne volleyball team rolled on Tuesday night, posted their 13th sweep of the season, and beat the Occidental College Tigers 3-0.

With the win, the Leopards improve to 19-5 overall and remain in second place in the SCIAC with an 11-3 conference record. The top two seeds in the SCIAC Tournament will host semifinal matches.

The Ray sisters combined for 17 kills in the match. Mya Ray finished with a game-high 11 kills and 13 digs and Mariah Ray totaled six kills and three blocks.

Reigning and three-time SCIAC Athlete of the Week, Zacky Coaston tallied six blocks and four kills. Kaitlyn Bloomer was steady as always contributing four blocks and two kills. Allison Whiteman ended with four kills, four blocks, three digs, and an ace. 

La Verne rolled to an opening set utilizing five blocks to earn a 25-14 win. Coaston posted two solo blocks and one block assist in the frame.

The Tigers responded and put the Leopards on their heels early in the second set and jumped out to a 9-3 lead. The Leopards woke up and responded with a 12-1 run highlighted by two Madison Smith aces to take the lead. After Oxy briefly tied the set 17-17, La Verne scored the final eight points capped by an ace from Kaitlyn Patterson. Smith finished with three aces and eight digs. 

La Verne never trailed in the final set. Patterson started the third the way she ended the second with an ace to give the Leopards the lead. The Tigers played tough down the stretch but La Verne held on for a 25-21 win.

Sydne Humphrey led all players with 13 assists. Lauren Gott finished with four kills, three blocks, and three digs.

The Leopards head to Caltech this Saturday for a 7 p.m. game against the Beavers.