The schedule didn't get any easier for the University of Redlands women's volleyball team as it lost its second match of the day on Sept. 5 at the hands of No. 5 University of La Verne by a 0-3 final.

A team the Bulldogs usually face in Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) action, the Leopards staved off a fighting Redlands team in the first two games and coasted through the third en route to victory at the Puget Sound Premier.

Redlands surged from behind in the first game, facing a four-point deficit at La Verne's game point. A kill by sophomore middle blocker Kirby McCord (Huntingdon Beach, CA) and a few attack errors by the Leopards put the Bulldogs back in the game, but La Verne successfully closed the first game by a 27-25 score.

A similar scenario unfolded in game No. 2 for the Bulldogs. Down 9-16 at one point, Redlands tied up the game at 24 before the Leopards compiled the necessary two points to squeak by the persistent Bulldogs 26-24.

La Verne scored points in bunches in the final game, handily winning by a 25-16 score.

Junior setter Kelina Smith (Kurtistown, HI) led both teams in assists with 24, providing a helping hand throughout all three games for the Bulldogs. Smith also picked up eight digs on the match.

No one player shouldered the brunt of the offensive firepower like sophomore middle blocker Megan Phillips (Vista, CA) displayed in the game against No. 7 Puget Sound. Phillips, McCord and sophomore outside hitter Jackie Hamilton (Loma Linda, CA) each recorded five kills while Smith and junior outside hitter Katy Douglas (Roseville, CA) provided four apiece.

Tomorrow, Sept. 6, the Bulldogs continue their rough opening slate with a 9 a.m. match with No. 12 Cal State East Bay followed by a 3 p.m. dual with No. 6 Trinity University (TX).