BOX SCORE

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. --- Biola's middle blockers led the Eagles to a 25-17, 25-15, 25-15 win over Westmont College in a GSAC match on Tuesday night at Murchison Gymnasium.

The Eagles, fresh off their move up to No. 3 in the NAIA National Rankings, improve to 19-2 on the season with their fourth-straight win and 9-2 in GSAC play. The Warriors fall to 9-13 overall and 3-8 in the conference.

Biola's middle blockers dominated the match, recording 16 kills without a hitting error for a .727 attack percentage. They also combined for nine blocks in the match.

Leading the way was junior middle blocker Kelsey Christoferson, who had seven kills in 11 swings, adding five blocks including two solo. Senior Kristen Peterson recorded five kills in as many swings while playing just in the first set. Her replacement, sophomore Tavea Hampton, went 4-for-4 while adding five blocks.

Biola took control early in the first set, jumping out to an 18-9 lead and cruised to a 25-17 victory thanks to a .355 attack percentage and just five errors.

The Eagles had a tougher time in the second set as the Warriors remained close through the first half of the match. Biola held a slim 17-15 lead when Abbie Wright came into the match and served out eight-straight points for the 25-15 win.

In the third, the Eagles jumped out to an 11-3 lead and cruised to the easy 25-15 victory to close out the match.

Earlier in the day, the NAIA released its weekly rankings and--as was expected--Biola moved past California Baptist into the third spot overall. It was the highest Biola has been in the national rankings since 2003. Fresno Pacific retained the top spot with Concordia claiming No. 2 overall.

Biola returns to action on Thursday (Oct. 16) with a big GSAC showdown against No. 12 Vanguard at 7:00 p.m. in Chase Gymnasium.