PASADENA, Calif. (Sept. 5, 2022) - Traveling crosstown to take on the Providence Christian Sea Beggars, Head Coach Tom Gardner and the women's volleyball program battled the heat, the opponent, and coming off of having played two matches two days prior.  

In an attempt to get in multiple opportunities in the non-conference season for his young squad, Coach Gardner started a blend of experience players and three first years, that allowed the Beavers to get out to a quick start against their hosts, taking a 15-8 lead at the first media time out in the first set.
 
Offensively, the Beavers were led by junior OH/OPP Claire Perhach (Carlsbad, Calif. / Sage Creek) and on defense were buoyed by the outstanding libero play of junior Angel Wang (Colorado Springs, Colorado/Pine Creek). Setting the tone in dishing out assists was junior setter Halle Blend (Farmers Branch, Texas / Hockaday). The Beavers ended up closing out the first set winning 25-16.

The second set proved to be the most competitive of the evening with the Sea Beggars knotting it up at 11 after the Beavers had taken a 9-3 lead. The set stayed close and was within one point at 20-19 Caltech when Perhach drove a ball to the floor off a beautiful set by freshman S/DS Giulia Murgia (Iglesias, Italy/Istituto di Istruzione Superiore G. Asproni). The Beavers went on to close out the second frame 25-19 on consecutive service aces by Murgia.

In the third and final set of the evening Caltech raced out to a 6-0 lead behind the superb service of Blend. After a kill by Perhach sided out for Caltech after Providence had started the set serving, Blend earned five consecutive points through the power of her left handed serve. The Beavers continued to dominate throughout the set as Gardner was able to play the entire group, something that will serve the team well throughout the course of the season.

The final score from Northeast Pasadena was Caltech 3-0 over Providence Christian in a sweep, with set scores of 25-16, 25-19, and 25-16.

The women's volleyball program is back in action on Wednesday evening September 7, 2022. Originally scheduled as a home match, the Beavers will travel to Westcliff University in Irvine for the 7:30 PM PDT first service.

To follow the Beavers women's volleyball program through livestream, live stats and breaking news, as well as all other Caltech Athletics, please visit www.gocaltech.com.