WHITEWATER, Wis. - The Elmhurst University volleyball split its two matches on Saturday at the Kris Russell Volleyball Arena in Whitewater, Wis., falling to Wisconsin–Whitewater in straight sets before responding with a sweep of Pacific Lutheran later in the day.

In the opener against the host Warhawks, Elmhurst dropped a 25-17, 25-13, 25-23 decision. The Bluejays struggled to find offensive consistency early, but their attack came alive in the third set with 17 kills while nearly forcing a fourth set. Keely Larson led the offense with eight kills and a .444 hitting percentage, while Blair Johnson added seven kills and eight digs. Freddie Temple directed the offense with 19 assists and chipped in six digs.

Elmhurst's defense worked to keep the team in the match, totaling 36 digs, including seven from Alexis Casey and five apiece from Paige Belfield and Gianna Ptaszek. The Bluejays erased a late deficit in the third set, pulling even at 17-17 behind a Belfield ace and a pair of Larson kills. Wisconsin–Whitewater responded with a late surge to close out the frame and the match.

The Bluejays rebounded in the afternoon with a 25-19, 25-23, 25-21 sweep of Pacific Lutheran to record their first victory of the season. Elmhurst's attack was balanced and efficient, producing 43 kills while hitting .231 as a team. Ashley Clardy powered the offense with 14 kills, while Larson added 11 kills without committing an error, hitting an impressive .733. Belfield contributed seven kills, 12 digs, and three service aces in a standout performance.

Temple once again steered the offense, finishing with 34 assists, five kills, and nine digs. Casey anchored the defense with a match-high 17 digs, while LeCleir provided a spark from the service line with three aces in the third set. The Bluejays maintained control throughout, with Clardy delivering the final kill to secure the sweep.