LA VERNE, CA – The University of La Verne volleyball team defeated the Occidental College Tigers in a clean 3-0 sweep on Friday night. The night was filled with wins. The 2001 National Championship team made an appearance,
Malia Capistrano passed her 1,000 career digs milestone, and
Zacky Coaston hit a .647, with 12 kills, five blocks assists and two solo blocks.
The first set was competitive, thanks to the aggressive front row.
Emma Yogan swung on the outside, while
Mariah Ray held it down on the right side. Yogan finished the night with seven kills and seven digs. The Leopards pulled ahead with a seven point serving run from senior setter
Malia Capistrano. Capistrano surpassed a monumental career milestone of 1,000 career digs before the match was over. La Verne took set one, 25-17.
Set two was speedy, as per the demanding swings of
Alanna Jones. Jones matched Yogan with seven kills and three blocks. Senior
Lauren Gott held down the back row with ten digs and two service aces in the Tiger's direction. Gott mirrored Capistrano's serving run, and the Leopards pulled ahead 12-6. Gott's arm lit up late in the set, with three major kills. Her contribution totaled 10.5 points. The Leopards nabbed set two 25-13.
La Verne put the pedal to the metal in the third. The Leopards established dominance early, pulling ahead by eight quickly. Lethal swings from Coaston set the Leopards apart. Her final percentage was a whopping .647. Her connection with Capistrano, who finished with 16 assists, earned the Leopards the third set, 25-17.
The Leopards celebrated the 2001 University of La Verne volleyball team and the 25th anniversary of their NCAA Championship in an on court ceremony after the second set.
The Leopards are back in action October 27th on the road playing Chapman University at 7 p.m.
