THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — The Caltech women's volleyball team faced off against California Lutheran University on Tuesday in the Beavers' penultimate road clash of 2024.

The Beavers improved with each set, showing their fight throughout the match behind a plethora of strong individual efforts to keep them in the match. Caltech played its strongest volleyball in the third, staying within three points of Cal Lutheran for all of the set until going the hosts went up 21-17. The Beavers did not lay down, however, as they battled back to within one at 22-21 before the Regals squeaked out the victory.

First-year setter and opposite Ailsa Shen (Calgary, Alb. / Western Canada HS) contributed offensively for the Beavers, converting on six kills and co-leading the team in the stat; the rookie also tallied two digs and an assist. First-year outside hitter and opposite Andrea Li (Calgary, Alb. / Sir Winston Churchill) matched Shen with six impact kills and co-led the team with two blocks.

Junior setter Giulia Murgia (Iglesias, Italy / Istituto di Istruzione Superiore G. Asproni) played an important role for the group, assisting 16 times in the match to lead the team. With the performance, Murgia reaches a team-high 317 assists on the season.

The Beavers outshined Cal Lutheran on the serving end, a category where Caltech has been very strong in recent matches. The team racked in six aces to the Regals' five and will look to continue to dominate in the serving category going forward.

The Beavers are now 2-2 in their last four matches; they are 2-0 in their two most recent home contests.

Head coach Tom Gardner and the team look to rebound and keep their success at Braun Gymnasium rolling as they host the University of La Verne in their final home match this season. Action kicks off this Friday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. Cheer on the Beavers in person and follow the action at GoCaltech.com/coverage.

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