Box Score MCMINNVILLE, Ore. — After suffering the first loss of the season last Saturday, the Linfield Wildcats came storming back to down the Willamette Bearcats in the Northwest Conference opener for both clubs Friday at Ted Wilson Gymnasium. Led by Darian Stedman's 13 kills and seven digs, and Taylor Petersen's 10 kills, the Wildcats were razor-sharp from the beginning, refusing to drop a single set en route to a 25-17, 25-18, 25-21 victory.
 
The Wildcats
Brianna Sanford led the 'Cats with a dominant .400 hitting percentage. Sanford also recorded four kills. Regan Dean aided Linfield by recording three service aces, nine digs and six kills. Wildcats setter Mattie Kelly recorded 18 assists and five digs. Destyni Grace added 21 assists and five digs. Recording a hitting percentage of .291 throughout the match, Linfield found great success at the net. The Wildcats also outperformed the Bearcats in assists and kills bettering their opponent 43-22 and 44-22, respectively.
 
The Bearcats
Jaiden Mason led the Bearcats with six kills and 13 assists, while Morgan Webster added six assists, six digs and a service ace. The Bearcats also recorded four team blocks, but it was not enough to stop the Wildcats' relentless offensive attack.
 
How They Stack Up
The win improves Linfield's record to 7-1 overall and 1-0 in Northwest Conference play. Willamette falls to 3-6 overall and 0-1 against NWC competition.
 
Coming Up
The Wildcats continue Northwest Conference action Saturday against the Lewis and Clark Pioneers at Ted Wilson Gymnasium. The match is slated to begin at 7 p.m.