LOS ANGELES — Occidental (4-18, 2-12 SCIAC) fell to Caltech (4-21, 1-13 SCIAC) in a tightly contested four-set match at Rush Gymnasium on Tuesday night, with set scores of 22-25, 29-27, 25-27, 22-25.
The first set began with Caltech establishing an early lead, highlighted by a service ace and a kill from Ailsa Shen. The Tigers responded with a kill from
Anna Curtis-Revelle and an ace from
Ariana Carranza, leveling the score at 2-2. However, Caltech regained momentum, building a 10-4 lead with contributions from several players, including multiple service aces by Giulia Murgia.
Occidental made a push as
Jasmine Shum and Carranza recorded key kills, narrowing the gap to 15-12. The team continued to pressure Caltech, with Curtis-Revelle and Carranza each securing critical points, bringing the score to 17-16. Despite the rally, Caltech maintained their edge, extending the lead to 21-18 with consistent play.
In the closing moments, Occidental fought back with a block by
Jasmine Shum and
Sarah Boncore, closing the gap to 23-21. However, Caltech secured the set at 25-22 following an attack error from Occidental, concluding the first set with a narrow lead.
Occidental started the second set with strong momentum, quickly gaining a 3-0 lead with a kill by
Corinne Van Haeren and a block from Van Haeren and Curtis-Revelle. Despite a brief comeback from Caltech, Occidental maintained their lead with contributions from
Jasmine Shum and Curtis-Revelle, reaching a 7-3 advantage.
Caltech responded, taking a 10-7 lead after a series of kills from Rena Zhang and Noelle Wilkinson. However, Occidental fought back, tying the score at 13-13 with a kill from Van Haeren and an attack error forced from Zhang. The teams exchanged points closely, with the score reaching 17-17 after a service ace by Carranza.
As the set drew to a close, Occidental edged ahead with crucial kills from Carranza and Curtis-Revelle. Although Caltech managed to level the score multiple times, Occidental secured the set 29-27 with decisive kills by Shum and Carranza, closing out the set with persistence and precision.
The third set opened with a momentum swing as the Tigers extended an early lead to 6-1, highlighted by
Jasmine Shum's four kills. Caltech responded with a series of points, initiated by Rena Zhang's kill, to narrow the gap to 13-9. Despite Occidental's continued efforts, Caltech mounted a comeback, capitalizing on several attack errors to tie the score at 17-17.
As the set progressed, Occidental regained a narrow lead, fueled by consecutive kills from Carranza and a key attack error by Stephanie Wallen, bringing the score to 23-21. Caltech fought back to level the score at 23-23, and the two teams traded points until Caltech secured the set, 27-25, with a final kill by Alize Bakker and an attack error from Shum.
Occidental initiated the fourth set with a service ace by
Lila Payne, establishing an early lead. Carranza contributed to the score with a service ace and a kill, helping Occidental maintain a slight edge.
Jasmine Shum added three consecutive kills, extending Occidental's advantage to 9-4.
As the set progressed, Caltech closed the gap, capitalizing on a series of attack errors from Occidental. A service ace by Rena Zhang tied the score at 12-12. Despite Occidental's efforts to regain momentum with a kill by Van Haeren, Caltech continued to apply pressure, eventually taking a 14-12 lead.
In a back-and-forth conclusion, Occidental briefly reclaimed the lead at 20-19 after a service error from Caltech. However, Caltech responded with a decisive run, securing three consecutive kills to close out the set. The set ended with Caltech edging Occidental 25-22.
Occidental Top Performers
Ariana Carranza
-----------------
- 17 kills
- four service aces
- 17 digs
- 21.5 points
Kendall Taylor
-----------------
- 23 assists
- 23 digs
Jasmine Shum
-----------------
- 18 kills
- 21 digs
- 19.5 points
Eyleen Sanchez
-----------------
- six assists
- 28 digs
In their next game, the Tigers will face La Verne on Friday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. at La Verne in California.
