PORTLAND, Ore – Oregon Tech defeated Warner Pacific in straight sets (25-19, 25-15, 25-19) at C.C. Perry Gym tonight to earn a needed Cascade Conference victory.

Warner Pacific (2-9, 1-9 CCC) fell behind early in all three sets including the first frame, where Oregon Tech (10-7, 4-6 CCC) built a 5-0 lead in the early going. The Knights had trouble returning serves from Sarah Svedin until a Loren Hernandez kill got WPC on the board. The Knights fought back to cut the deficit to 11-7 but could draw no closer. Two aces from OIT's Joey Parnell extended their lead to 20-11, and though WPC rallied late it was not enough as the visitors claimed the set 25-19.

The slow starts from Warner Pacific continued in the second frame, and this time the hosts allowed OIT to sprint out to a 12-1 lead. WP matched the Owls point for point the rest of the way, but OIT won the set going away, 25-15. Oregon Tech hit for 14 kills in the set versus just one error.

Set three started more promising for WPC until Parnell toed the service line for Oregon Tech. After a sideout, Parnell served the Owls to a 5-0 burst to make the score 12-5 in favor of the visitors. A late charge from the Knights capped by a Kim Mulka spike cut the score to 23-19, but a Svedin kill and WPC error gave the set and match to Oregon Tech.

Parnell and Mindy Nalder swung for a match high of 8 kills each for OIT, while Kristie Vea had 20 digs.

Warner Pacific was led by Mulka and Loren Hernandez with five kills each.

The Knights host Southern Oregon tomorrow night, while Oregon Tech travels across town to face Concordia. Start time for both games is at 7pm.