REDLANDS 3, OCCIDENTAL 2

By Joe Compagno

LOS ANGELES — Claire Strohm had another big game for Occidental —posting 15 kills and 15 digs — and Megan Olayinka and Amanda Herold combined for eight blocks, but the Tigers were unable to outlast the Bulldogs at Rush gymnasium on Tuesday.

Ellie McLeod and Courtney Johnson posted 20 and 22 digs, respectively, and Ashton Martin led all players with 19 kills.

Game 1 (25-18 Occidental): It was all Tigers early, as the team jumped out to a quick 13-6 lead after winning six consecutive points. Cassandra Guidice sealed the opening set win with a monster ace. Strohm and Herold recorded four kills apiece for the Tigers.

Game 2 (25-18 Redlands): Redlands took an 8-3 lead to start things off. Guidice notched a kill to tie the set 10-10, but the Bulldogs diffused Oxy's comeback attempt with a big run of their own to even the match. Martin recorded three kills in the set, and Redlands got solid defense from Johnson. The Tigers were plagued by 10 errors in the set.

Game 3 (25-22 Redlands): McLeod anchored the Bulldogs in all facets, recording 12 assists, three digs and two kills in the set. Kiersten Langerud and Martin added four kills each en route to a second consecutive win for Redlands.

Game 4 (25-22 Oxy): Oxy was dominant early on, taking a 5-0 lead behind strong play from Kandace Korver and Guidice. Redlands bounced back behind more solid play from Langerud and Martin, but Olayinka was a key factor in stifling a Redlands comeback attempt. She landed four kills to go with two digs and three blocks. Teammate Sarah Beene added nine assists.

Game 5 (15-9 Redlands): Kailee McCoy craftily scored multiple tip shots down the stretch and recorded a big kill to seal it for Redlands. Oxy never had a lead in the final set. Strohm had two kills and a dig, and Herold made big plays in the beginning of the set to keep Oxy's hopes alive.

Next Match: Oxy will travel south to face off against Chapman on Friday.