LA VERNE, California – The Puget Sound volleyball team split two matches during the first day of the Leopard Invitational hosted by La Verne Friday. The Loggers topped UC-Santa Cruz in five sets, but lost to Pomona-Pitzer in three.

Puget Sound 3, UC-Sanata Cruz 2 (22-25, 26-24, 25-9, 23-25, 15-12)

Despite dropping the first set against the Banana Slug, Puget Sound rallied to start its weekend trip with a 3-2 victory.

The Loggers pulled off an improbable win the second set, shifting the momentum in their favor. UC-Santa Cruz was one point away from winning the set when it held a 24-21 lead.  However, a kill by Maggie Jones followed by a couple of Banana Slugs errors allowed Puget Sound to even the set.

The Loggers kept it coming, as back-to-back kills from Alli Reviglio and Isabella Bean clinched the 26-24 win.

The Banana Slug seemed demoralized when they followed with a 25-9 loss in the third set. However, UC-Santa Cruz came back force a fifth set.

In that decisive set, the Banana Slugs jumped out to a 3-0 lead. Puget Sound put together a rally of its own and a Jordan Holman service ace gave the Loggers a 4-3 edge. The teams were tied at 10 all, but the Loggers closed it out with a 5-2 run.

Holman led the Loggers with 15 kills and five aces. Reviglio added 12 kills, eight digs, and two blocks.

Puget Sound 0, Pomona-Pitzer 3 (25-12, 25-20, 25-18)

The Loggers were unable to get in a groove during a three-set loss against the Sagehens.

Puget Sound posted a -0.20 attack percentage, while Pomona-Pitzer attacked at a .246 clip.

The Loggers conclude the Leopard Invitational with matches against Whittier and La Verne Saturday, Sept. 14.