Pirates Host Three NAIA Foes

The Whitworth volleyball team opens the 2009 season this week with three home matches against a trio of non-conference opponents. All of the teams are NAIA members who have already played matches this season, perhaps giving the visitors a leg up on the Pirates.

Whitworth returns four starters from 2008, including First Team All-NWC hitter Kaimi Rocha (So., Pukalani, Hawaii) and honorable mention All-NWC middle blocker Ka'ipo Rocha (So., Pukalani, Hawaii). Whitworth hopes to improve on last season's 14-14 record (7-9 in the NWC).

Walla Walla comes into Tuesday's match with a 2-2 record after a trip to Portland over the weekend. Eastern Oregon is 1-3 following a tournament in Southern California. All three losses came to ranked opponents. Likewise, both of Lewis-Clark State's (2-2) losses came to nationally-ranked teams at its own season-opening tournament over the weekend.

Following the three mid-week contests, Whitworth will get its first look at NCAA Division III competition when the Pirates travel to Colorado Springs, Colorado for the Molton Pikes Peak Challenge, hosted by Colorado College. Whitworth will play two matches on Friday and two more on Saturday. Colorado College will provide live stats for some of the matches.