PORTLAND, Ore. – The University of Portland’s volleyball team looked sharp on Thursday night, defeating Loyola Marymount 3-0 in a West Coast Conference matchup on Thursday night in the Chiles Center.

The win is the Pilots’ second WCC victory of the year, and their second win in the Chiles Center in the last four matches.

“Systematically, we were able to affect their play tonight,” Pilots head coach Doug Sparks said. “We have the ability to do just what we did tonight, and I couldn’t be prouder of this team right now.”

Four Pilots got into double figures in both kills and digs during the three-game match, which saw the Pilots hold the Lions to just a .111 attack percentage.

Outside hitter Kelly Whitehouse was thrust into a starting role after stringing together several consecutive solid performances, and responded by recording her first double-double of the season. Whitehouse put down 12 kills and added 10 digs to become the fourth different Pilot to post a double-double in 2005. She also had three service aces and 3 block assists during the match.

“Kelly has been playing exceptionally well lately,” Sparks said. “Tonight was probably the best match she’s ever played.”

Sara Vercruyssen also had a double-double for the Pilots, adding 15 digs to her 12-kill performance. Freshman middle Jennifer Sheedy had a match-high .435 attack percentage, connecting for 12 kills on 23 attacks. Ashley Grayson also broke into double figures in kills, putting down 11 and adding four block assists.

Libero Murphy McClenahan was rock solid once again in the Pilots’ backcourt, recording a match-high 22 digs. She now has 1,215 career digs, passing Carlie Price (1999-02) for fifth place on the Pilots’ all-time career chart.

Game 1 featured 15 tie scores and 10 lead changes, but Portland kept its composure and pulled away late in the game thanks to a pair of Sheedy kills. The Pilots struck early and often in both Game 2 and Game 3, putting the Lions away in the opening stages of both games.

The win improves Portland’s record to 5-20 overall and 2-11 in conference play. Loyola Marymount falls to 18-9 and 6-7 in WCC action.

The Pilots will square off with Pepperdine (16-11, 9-4 WCC) in their final home match of the season on Saturday. Match time is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.

NOTES: Whitehouse set season highs in kills (12) and total attacks (25)…Sheena Surplus dished out 43 assists, setting a three-game match season high…Portland outblocked a WCC opponent for the second time this season, leading the Lions 8-6 in total blocks…the Pilots’ .278 hitting percentage was the team’s second highest of the season…Portland’s 12 attack errors were the team’s lowest amount of the 2005 campaign…Surplus recorded her 900th career dig and her 900th assist of the season…McClenahan has now posted 20-plus digs in six matches this season...Portland ended Loyola Marymount's five-game winning streak over the Pilots.