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Los Angeles, CA  —  The Occidental Tigers women's volleyball team had their first conference game on Tuesday against the University of La Verne.  Both teams played well, with La Verne taking the lead midway through 2-1, but the Tigers came back from behind and won the game in five sets.  

Oxy started the night strong by winning the first set (25-22).  However, La Verne dominated the next two sets (25-23) (25-19).  Kari Esseff and Emily Heldenbrand were two key players for the Leopards, with 15 kills and 16 digs respectively.  Not willing to go down without a fight, the Tigers regrouped and came back to win the final two sets (25-19) (15-13).

Oxy Highlights:

• Leaders in kills: Lizzy Kerman (14), Skye Garcia (11), and Theresa Nevins (10).

• Leader in aces: Gieselle Gatewood (2).

• Leaders in blocks: Skye Garcia (3) and Gieselle Gatewood (3).

• Leaders in digs: Sydney Takauye (18), Lizzy Kerman (15), and Bethany Heitland (9).

• Leader in assists: Kat Chodaczek (35).

With their win over La Verne, they advance their record to 5-3 overall, and 1-0 in SCIAC.

Next Games: The Tigers head to Cal Lutheran on Friday, September 24 for a 7 p.m. game.  The team returns home on Saturday, September 25 for a 6:00 p.m. game against Caltech.