Sophomore Callie Albison came up with a season-high 24 digs to go along with six aces, but Porterville College couldn't get its offense going in a 3-1 Central Valley Conference loss against Merced College on Friday at Porterville High School.

The Pirates lost the match by scores of 25-19, 25-21, 14-25, and 25-18 to fall to 8-12 overall and 5-6 in conference play.

Albison has taken over Porterville's defense as of late. Friday's match marked the third consecutive contest that she has totaled double-digit figures in digs. Albison began her streak with 18 digs in a loss to Sequoias on Oct. 14, had 16 digs in Wednesday's sweep over West Hills Coalinga, and was a bright spot with 24 digs in tonight's loss.

Also on defense, sophomore Heidy Benitez  totaled 15 digs while sophomore Josie Lopez chipped in with 12 digs and five kills.

Sophomore Kendyl Estes once again led the Pirates' offense as she had 12 of PC's 23 kills on the night to go along with seven digs and two solo blocks. Sophomore Brandy Rico paced the Pirates with 28 assists.

Rachel Kaler had 15 kills on 50 attempts to lead Merced (8-7, 6-5 CVC).

Porterville returns to action on Wednesday (Oct. 26) when it plays the fourth of eight straight home matches to close out the regular season. The Pirates face Columbia College at 6 p.m. in a conference match to be played at Porterville High School.