The University of Redlands volleyball team opened the 2013 Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) season against Whittier College on Tuesday.  The Bulldogs struggled to find their offensive rhythm and fell to the Poets in four sets, 18-25, 25-19, 11-25, 21-25.

Redlands battled through the first set, tying the count at 14, before Whittier fired off big kills and unleashed a few service aces to pull away.

The Bulldogs erupted for 12 kills in the second set en route to putting together their best attack of the night at .250.  Redlands never trailed and earned a seven-point lead midway through the stanza.  Although Whittier cut the led to one, the Bulldogs responded with an 8-3 run to finish the set on top.

However, the Poets' offense exploded in the third frame, resulting in the impressive victory.

Redlands continued to fight in the fourth set, creating a 20-15 lead.  During the final points, errors plagued the Bulldogs' front line, while Whittier answered with big plays at the net.

Overall, senior outside hitter Morgan Buckner (San Rafael, CA) carried the team with her 11 kills.  Sophomore outside hitter Ashton Martin (Redlands, CA) added eight put-aways.  Senior setter Alisha Cornick (Hollister, CA) distributed the ball with 25 assists.  Junior libero Courtney Johnson (Dana Point, CA) guided the team's defensive efforts with 17 digs.

Redlands (3-5, 0-1 SCIAC) returns home to the friendly confines of Currier Gym on Thursday for a 7:30 p.m. match against Caltech.