Redlands Volleyball Earns Opening Win against Buena Vista University

The University of Redlands women’s volleyball team defeated visiting Buena Vista University (IA) in its first match of the season, 31-33, 30-25, 30-28, 30-19, in Currier Gym earlier today. After a tightly contested first game, the Bulldogs held on to their momentum and earned the four-game victory.

Game one proved to be a back-and-forth affair with the score tied 10 times. In the second game, Redlands made a slight lineup adjustment to pull ahead, holding the lead throughout. The third game remained tight until the final few points as aggressive hitting and serving allowed the Bulldogs to prevail. Finally, in game four, the Redlands offense took control, hitting .412 as a team with only three errors.

Leading the Bulldogs, senior outside hitter Lori Nakamura (Honolulu, HI) put away 22 kills for a match-high, while freshman outside hitter (Loma Linda, CA) knocked down 16 in her collegiate debut. Sophomore right-side hitter Jordann Tanner (Vista, CA) added to the team’s success with 14 kills and five aces. Sophomore setter Kelina Smith (Kurtistown HI) dished out 53 assists for the Bulldogs. Defensively, sophomore libero Lauren Harding (Altadena, CA) provided a team-leading 29 digs while Nakamura supplied 17.

The Beavers of Buena Vista looked to the offensive power of sophomore middle blocker Kelli Luitjens (Worthington, MN), who tallied 12 kills to lead the team. In addition, freshman middle blocker Katie Vondrak (Sioux City, IA) and junior outside hitter Kayla Dekker (Luverne, MN) supplied nine apiece. Senior libero Betsy Berhens (Laurens, IA) provided consistent defense for BVU, racking up 30 digs.

The Bulldogs (1-0) face La Sierra University at 8:30 p.m. tonight in Currier Gym. Buena Vista takes the floor again at 3 p.m. to face Cal Lutheran University in a non-conference match.

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Players Mentioned

#13 Lauren Harding: L/DS; 5' 6"; Sophomore

#12 Lori Nakamura: OH; 5' 8"; Senior

#11 Kelina Smith: S/DS; 5' 8"; Sophomore

#2 Jordann Tanner: RS/OH; 6' 0"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#13 Lauren Harding
: 5' 6"; Sophomore
: L/DS

#12 Lori Nakamura
: 5' 8"; Senior
: OH

#11 Kelina Smith
: 5' 8"; Sophomore
: S/DS

#2 Jordann Tanner
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: RS/OH