MCMINNVILLE, Ore. — Despite seven different Wildcats delivering kills, Linfield was unable to upend Northwest Conference rival George Fox, falling in four sets, 23-35, 24-26, 29-27, 20-25, Saturday at Ted Wilson Gymnasium.
 
The Bruins handed the Wildcats their second consecutive Northwest Conference defeat.
 
How it played out
Recording 11 service aces and 64 kills, George Fox took advantage of an early lead and hardly faltered. Outside hitter Danyle Dupray carried the Bruins with 23 kills and 20 digs, while Laney Search contributed 37 assists and 13 digs.
 
The Wildcats kept the first two sets close — losing by a mere two points in each — before recomposing themselves to capture an important third set victory. But in the fourth and final set, the Bruins jumped out to a healthy lead before sealing a decisive five-point set victory.
 
Linfield Totals
Eryka Keoho recorded a team-high 12 kills and also contributed three blocks. The Wildcats recorded a team hitting percentage of .224, bettering the Bruins' mark of .197.
 
Wildcats setter Mattie Kelly contributed 20 assists, four digs and drove home a kill. Destyni Grace added a team high of 25 assists, while also registering 12 digs. Kayla Magbaleta contributed 25 digs.
 
Middle blocker Brianna Sanford had no trouble finding the net, recording a .400 hitting percentage and eight kills. Taylor Petersen added seven blocks and 10 kills.
 
Where they sit now
With the loss, the Wildcats fall to 8-3 overall and 2-2 in conference play. George Fox improves to 3-4, and 2-2 in the NWC.
 
Coming up
The Wildcats travel to the Stoller Center Wednesday for a 7 p.m. match against Northwest Conference rival Pacific.