Box Score TACOMA, Wash. — Defending Northwest Conference champions Pacific Lutheran dispatched the Linfield Wildcats in five sets, 28-26, 15-25, 15-25, and 22-25, on Friday night at Olson Gymnasium.
 
How it played out
Led by consecutive kills from Regan Dean late in the first set, the Wildcats jumped out to an early lead. The Lutes took firm control in the second and third sets, winning each frame by a seven-point margin. Linfield never recovered after that.
 
Totaling up the stats
Dean and Darian Stedman each recorded eight kills to carry the Wildcats offensively. Audrey Hyem played a solid match, adding seven kills. As a team, the 'Cats drove down 43 kills, scooped 77 digs and notched 11 blocks.
 
But the Wildcats' effort was not enough to match the reigning champions. The Lutes collected more kills (44), digs (81) and blocks (15) than the Wildcats. The Lutes were led by Mackenzie Harris, who had 11 kills. McKenna Ventura added 10 kills and five digs. Caylie Shiramizu contributed 26 digs.
 
The Wildcats chalked up some noteworthy defensive statistics. Kayla Magbaleta had 29 digs while hitting .333 at the net. In addition to her eight kills, Stedman added 16 digs.
 
Taylor Petersen totaled seven kills and two digs. Destyni Grace had 17 assists to go with seven digs and one kill. Mattie Kelly chipped in with 16 assists. The Wildcats' effort was aided by Brianna Sanford's six kills and one dig.
 
Where they sit
The loss evened the Wildcats' record at 9-9. Linfield is 3-8 in NWC play.
 
The Lutes continue to solidify their position at the top in the conference, pushing their record to 16-3 overall, 10-1 in league action.
 
Next
The Wildcats play Saturday against the George Fox Bruins. Match time is 5 p.m. at Wheeler Sports Center.