WALLA WALLA, Wash. -- A quick start in game one and a competitive battle in game two went for naught Saturday afternoon as the Whitman College women's volleyball team fell 3-0 (25-18, 25-22, 25-15) to the host school at the Whitworth University Invitational in Spokane, Wash.

The young Missionaries, now 0-5 on the season, reeled off five straight points to grab an 11-7 lead in game one. Katie Miller, a first-year outside hitter, triggered the run with a kill and added a service ace.

Kills by junior Alex Graves, sophomore Emily Nickels and Miller kept Whitman in front 16-11, but Whitworth pulled even at 17-17 and then closed out the game on an 8-1 run.

After the Pirates led for much of game two, three kills by Graves helped Whitman tie the game  at 22-all. The rally fizzled as Whitworth tallied the next three points on kills.

The home team raced away to a 10-3 in the third game, and Whitman drew no closer than five points the rest of the way.

Graves had 11 kills and 18 digs for Whitman. Miller finished with seven kills and seven digs. Sophomore libero Kelsie Butts collected 15 digs.

Whitman stays on the road next Friday and Saturday with four matches at the Colorado College Classic. 

Box score

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CONTACT: Dave Holden
Sports Information Director
Whitman College, Walla Walla, Wash.
509 527-5902; holden@whitman.edu