PASADENA, Calif. — Occidental (4-10, 2-4 SCIAC) edged out Caltech (3-14, 0-6 SCIAC) in a five-set thriller at Braun Athletic Center, winning 23-25, 25-22, 25-18, 18-25, 17-15. Occidental's standout performance included a team hitting percentage of .526 in the decisive fifth set.

Ariana Carranza led the way for the Tigers, posting a career-high 24 kills on .367 hitting. No Tiger has recorded a kill mark as high since the 2019 season.

The first set commenced with Caltech gaining an early lead after a service error from Occidental's Lila Payne. Carranza of the Tigers responded with multiple key kills, aiding in keeping the score tight. Despite her efforts, Caltech maintained slight control through strategic plays, including a service ace by Rena Zhang, pushing the score to 11-7 in their favor. Occidental's resilience was evident as Sloane Shoop and Carranza combined efforts to trim the deficit, bringing the score to 21-18. However, Caltech capitalized on some errors and ended the set with a narrow 25-23 victory despite Occidental's late push.

In the second set, Caltech took an early lead with Anna Curtis-Revelle's kill from Payne, but Occidental quickly responded. Caltech maintained momentum with solid contributions from Carranza, who secured multiple kills, and Corinne Van Haeren, who added a service ace. Despite a mid-set rally by the Tigers, Caltech stayed ahead with a kill from Van Haeren to extend the lead. Occidental tightened the set with a series of kills and aces, drawing level at 20-20. However, Caltech capitalized on opponent errors, with Carranza delivering a crucial kill to bring the set to a close. The set ended with Caltech securing a 25-22 victory, maintaining a competitive edge heading into the next set.

Caltech began the third set on a strong note with a kill by Zhang. However, the Tigers quickly responded with a kill from Curtis-Revelle, setting the tone for a competitive exchange. Carranza and Curtis-Revelle both contributed with critical kills as Occidental edged ahead in the early stages. Midway through the set, a combination of attack errors and effective kills by Van Haeren and Shoop allowed the Tigers to build momentum. A service ace by Carranza further cemented their lead. Despite a brief pushback from Caltech, highlighted by kills from Alize Bakker, Occidental maintained their advantage. The Tigers continued to capitalize on Caltech's errors and increased their lead with consistent offensive plays. Curtis-Revelle secured the final point with a decisive kill. The set concluded with Occidental taking the set 25-18, extending their match lead.

Occidental began the fourth set with a kill by Van Haeren, assisted by Payne, to establish early intent. The set saw a back-and-forth start with both teams exchanging points, highlighted by kills from Carranza and Shoop. The Tigers took a brief lead at 4-2 before a series of impactful plays by Caltech, including consecutive service aces by Bakker, shifted momentum. Caltech extended their advantage with a 9-0 run, reaching a 10-5 lead, capitalizing on service errors and attack errors from the Tigers. Despite a determined effort from Occidental, with Van Haeren and Carranza contributing important points, Caltech maintained their lead. A service ace from Eyleen Sanchez helped Occidental pull even at 15-15, but Caltech responded with a decisive series of plays. Caltech closed out the set by capitalizing on Occidental's attack errors and adding service aces from Stephanie Wallen, securing a 25-18 victory in the set and extending the match.

In the fifth set, Caltech began with momentum as Curtis-Revelle delivered an early kill, setting the tone for a tightly contested final set. Caltech managed to keep the score close with contributions from Carranza, who recorded multiple kills and an ace, effectively countering Occidental's offensive efforts. As the set progressed, Caltech maintained pressure on the Tigers with a series of successful plays, including a crucial service ace by Eliana Channell, which helped level the score at 9-9. A balanced attack featuring kills from Abby Werbel and Carranza, along with a service ace, allowed Caltech to edge ahead 17-15, clinching the set and the match.

Occidental Top Performers  

Ariana Carranza  
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- 24 kills on a .367 hitting percentage  
- 21 digs  
- three service aces  
- 28.5 points  

Lila Payne  
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- 37 assists  
- two service aces  
- four digs  

Anna Curtis-Revelle  
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- 12 kills on a .600 hitting percentage  
- two blocks  
- 13.0 points  

Eyleen Sanchez  
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- team-high 24 digs  
- three assists  
- one service ace