LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Pomona-Pitzer (7-7, 2-2 SCIAC) edged Occidental (3-8, 1-2 SCIAC) in a tense four-set match, 24-26, 25-14, 25-23, 26-24, at Rush Gymnasium on Friday night.

Occidental began the first set with a solid attack, quickly recovering from an early Pomona-Pitzer point to gain a 3-1 lead, highlighted by Anna Curtis-Revelle's kill. The team continued to capitalize on opponent errors and service aces from Kendall Taylor, extending the score to 7-3. Despite a mid-set push from the Sagehens, which included a series of successful plays to equalize at 7-7, Occidental responded with strategic plays and crucial points from Katelyn Cajigas and Ariana Carranza to maintain competitiveness.

The set saw multiple lead changes, with both teams exchanging quick points. Pomona-Pitzer briefly took the lead at 14-12, but Occidental answered with critical service aces and kills, keeping the score close. As the set neared its conclusion, Occidental edged ahead with a decisive service ace by Lila Payne, sealing a narrow 26-24 victory to close the first set.

Pomona-Pitzer began the second set with a strong surge, taking advantage of an attack error by Corinne Van Haeren and extending their lead with a service ace from Corrina Benson. Despite the early deficit, the Tigers responded with a kill from Carranza, tying the score briefly before Pomona-Pitzer regained control.

Occidental managed to cut the lead with a series of kills from Curtis-Revelle and Carranza, narrowing the gap to 14-10. However, Pomona-Pitzer capitalized on service aces and attack errors from Occidental, which allowed them to widen the margin. Paige Mountanos' consistent attacking presence helped Pomona-Pitzer secure a 25-14 set victory, establishing a solid lead.

Occidental initiated the third set strongly, opening with a 5-0 run highlighted by contributions from Van Haeren and Sloane Shoop, both assisted by Payne. An attack error by Pomona-Pitzer furthered Occidental's early advantage. However, Pomona-Pitzer responded, narrowing the gap with a series of four consecutive points, including a service ace from Benson, bringing the score to 5-4 in favor of Occidental.

The Tigers maintained their lead with key plays, including a kill by Cajigas, assisted by Eyleen Sanchez, extending their score to 10-6. Despite several service errors from Occidental, they held their ground through blocks by Eliana Channell and Carranza, pushing the score to 13-7. Pomona-Pitzer fought back, closing the gap with a 5-0 run, tying the score at 13-13.

In the final moments, the teams exchanged points, with Occidental regaining a slight edge at 22-21 due to kills by Channell and Shoop. However, Pomona-Pitzer capitalized on crucial points, including two kills by Charlotte Sekerka and Samantha Grabb, to secure the set 25-23, concluding it with a narrow victory.

Occidental opened the fourth set with a quick point from Van Haeren, followed by a block from Van Haeren and Curtis-Revelle, setting an early tone. Despite initial momentum, Pomona-Pitzer responded with a service ace and consistent offensive pressure to even the score at 2-2. The Tigers' Carranza kept the team competitive with multiple kills, but Pomona-Pitzer built a lead with efficient attacking and service aces.

As the set progressed, Occidental fought back with key contributions from Channell and Curtis-Revelle, who narrowed the gap with timely kills. A late push saw Occidental tying the score at 22-22 after a service ace by Shoop and a kill by Van Haeren. However, Pomona-Pitzer capitalized on a late attack error to edge ahead. Despite Carranza's efforts to extend the set, Pomona-Pitzer secured the set with a kill by CC Porter, closing the set at 26-24.

Occidental Top Performers  

Ariana Carranza  
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- 12 kills (6 errors, 33 attempts, .182 hitting percentage)  
- 11 digs  
- two service aces  
- 14.5 points  

Anna Curtis-Revelle  
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- 12 kills (1 error, 22 attempts, .500 hitting percentage)  
- three block assists  
- 13.5 points  

Kendall Taylor  
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- 14 assists  
- three service aces  
- eight digs  

Lila Payne  
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- 24 assists  
- nine digs  
- one service ace