Wheaton, Ill. – The Wheaton volleyball team hosted Wisconsin Lutheran (1-3) on Wednesday night in King Arena as the Thunder picked up their first home win of the 2023 season, defeating the Warriors 3-0. The Thunder won the first set 25-15, with a 25-21 victory in the second set. Wheaton closed out the victory with a convincing 25-15 victory in the third set.

The Thunder improve to 2-3 on the year with tonight's win. The Thunder are off until next Wednesday in the CCIW opener at Augustana.

Emerson Traweek led the Thunder with 13 kills tonight. Caroline Capps was impressive with 11 kills and a .435 attack percentage on 23 total attempts. Ashton Major had five kills with a .385 attack percentage. Lacey Higgins distributed 30 assists for hosts and added four service aces. Grace Autry (PICTURED LEFT) added a team-high 14 digs for the Thunder.

Wheaton never trailed in the first set as the hosts opened with a 25-15 victory. The Thunder led 11-10 when the hosts put together a 7-1 run to take an 18-11 lead. The Thunder then remained in control in opening with a victory in set one. Traweek had a set-high six kills and Capps added five. Higgins had 11 assists in the opening set and Autry had five digs.

The Warriors led 9-6 early in the second set and Wheaton rebounded to tie things up at 10-10. WLC led 16-15 when Wheaton outscored the guest 5-1 to take a 20-17 lead. The Thunder never relinquished the lead in the set in earning the 25-21 win. Traweek led Wheaton with five kills in the set and Higgins had 10 assists. Autry tallied six digs.

Wheaton won the decisive third set 25-15. The Thunder jumped out to a 4-1 lead and never trailed in the third set. Capps had three kills with two kills apiece for Bailey, Major and Traweek. Higgins had nine assists and three service aces. Autry, Higgins and Jordan Benford each had three digs in the final set.