La Verne, CA – The Occidental volleyball team opened their 2023 season with a split at the Pacific Coast Classic tournament.  The first day of the tournament saw the Tigers go up against Nebraska Wesleyan University and Alfred University.  The Tigers fell to the Prairie Wolves and took down the Saxons.

Nebraska Wesleyan 3, Occidental 0

In game one of the tournament, the Tigers started off by earning the first point of the set with Skye Garcia earning a kill, assisted by Camille Thé.  The team kept the match close, going 25-17 in set one, 25-21 in set two, and 25-18 in set three.  It was a great start for a small team considering they have so many new additions and were finding a rhythm.  

Ariana Carranza and Garcia led on attack, each earning seven kills.  Setter Thé found the front row with ease, gathering seven assists and defensive specialist Leena Albelo also contributed to the offensive line with eight assists of her own.  Elizabeth Sonza, a transfer defensive specialist, earned the most digs at 20, followed by Carranza at 17.