McMINNVILLE, Ore. — Losing two sets by a combined five points, the Linfield Wildcats were in close pursuit of the Pacific Boxers, but fell in straight sets, 25-22 , 25-19, 28-26, Wednesday night at Ted Wilson Gymnasium.
How it played out
The Wildcats appeared to have the early momentum, gaining an advantage late in the first set. But the Boxers, in fourth place in the Northwest Conference standings, battled back to narrowly edge the 'Cats to take the set.
Spurred on by
Darian Stedman's 13 kills, the Wildcats continued to press the Boxers in the second and third sets, but ultimately faltered in both, dropping the match in three sets.
Leading Pacific
Led by Morgan Mendicino's 14 kills and 11 digs, the Boxers' attack silenced the Wildcats' hopes of an upset. As a team, the Boxers recorded 36 digs, 66 kills and nine blocks. Ellie Parker spread around 32 assists and 17 digs. Aiding the Boxers was Jordan Zweifel, who added nine kills and hit .259 at the net.
Linfield stat lines
Three freshmen were significant for the Wildcats. Setter
Destyni Grace led with 18 assists and 10 digs.
Brianna Sanford recorded eight kills and a block, while
Regan Dean drove home seven kills. The Wildcats drilled home 44 kills, 69 digs and two blocks.
Playing an impressive defensive game, libero
Kayla Magbaleta recorded 21 digs.
Mattie Kelly also added 14 assists and 10 digs.
Taylor Petersen hit .250 at the net, finishing with six kills.
Where they stand
Following the loss, the Wildcats drop to 9-11 for the season and 3-10 in Northwest Conference action. The win boosted the Boxers to 15-6 overall, 8-5 in league action.
Coming up
The Wildcats travel to Tacoma, Washington, Saturday for a 7 p.m. match against the Puget Sound Loggers at Memorial Fieldhouse.
