McMINNVILLE, Ore. – Defending Northwest Conference champion Pacific Lutheran rode the offense and defense of middle blocker Mackenzie Harris to a four-set victory over Linfield at Ted Wilson Gym Friday night. The scores were 25-16, 25-27, 25-17, 25-17.
 
PLU by the numbers
Harris came away with a match-high 11 blocks to go with 10 kills. Chloe Epker added nine kills, three blocks and 15 digs for PLU. Lutes setter Kiana Calles passed out 37 assists while piling up 12 digs and getting a hand on seven blocks. PLU hit eight service aces in the contest, four by Calles.
 
Linfield's stat pack
Darian Stedman topped Linfield's statistical ledger with 13 kills, 13 digs and one block assist. Eryka Keoho and Audrey Hyem chipped in with eight kills each in a losing effort. With PLU blockers teaming for 34 rejections at the net, the Linfield offense was stymied for much of the match. The 'Cats hit .059 for the match, the result of 35 attack errors.  Linfield libero Kayla Magbaleta collected 34 digs and three assists. Destyni Grace had 23 assists and fellow setter Mattie Kelly added 16.
 
How it played out
Linfield appeared out of synch to begin the match, enabling the Lutes to get the early jump. PLU hit .250 at the net in the opening set while the Wildcats were struggling to find their groove, hitting .081.
 
The Wildcats were at their best in the second set, a stretch in which they outhit the Lutes .077 to -.018.
 
The second and third frames began as tight affairs before the Lutes pulled away at mid-set. In the deciding set, the Lutes scored six straight points to turn a one-point lead, 14-13, into a commanding 20-13 advantage.
 
What it means
For the moment at least, the Lutes (8-3, 2-1 NWC) pulled even with the Wildcats (8-2, 2-1 NWC) in the league standings. Both trail early season frontrunners Pacific (3-0) and Whitworth (3-1).
 
Next
Linfield hosts George Fox Saturday night starting at 5 p.m. The Wildcats are on the road Wednesday night in Forest Grove where they'll face the Pacific Boxers at 7 p.m.