McMINNVILLE, Ore. — Stretching the match to five sets, the Linfield Wildcats were narrowly edged by the Puget Sound Loggers 25-19, 28-26, 22-25, 24-26, 14-16 Saturday at Ted Wilson Gymnasium.
 
The Wildcats jumped out to an early two-set lead and appeared to have the momentum, but with a third-set victory, the Loggers took control of the match. And after dropping the first two sets, the Loggers went on to win each of the remaining sets.
 
Erika Smith recorded and impressive .400 hitting percentage while also adding a team-high 15 kills for the Loggers. Moira McVicar added a game-high 57 assists to aid Puget Sound. The Loggers outhit the Wildcats .228 to .173 and recorded more team blocks en route to their win.
 
For the Wildcats, Mackenzie Courtney stepped into a starting role and shot an impressive .294 at the net. Courtney recorded five kills and a dig.
 
As a team, the Wildcats delivered 10 service aces and 64 kills but were unable to slow the Loggers.
 
Libero Kayla Magbaleta played a vital role for the 'Cats with a team-high 17 digs.
 
Eryka Keoho led the Wildcats in kills with 16, adding five blocks.
 
Taylor Petersen recorded seven blocks, nine kills and delivered a service ace. Mattie Kelly had 24 assists and 13 digs. Destyni Grace added 30 assists, 16 digs and two aces. Darian Stedman drove home 14 kills and while collaring 12 digs.
 
The loss is the Wildcats fourth consecutive, dropping them to 8-5 overall and 2-4 in Northwest Conference action.
 
Puget Sound improves to 6-7 overall and 3-3 in conference play.
 
Coming up
The Wildcats travel to Walla Walla, Washington Friday for a 7:00 p.m. match against the Whitman Blues at the Sherwood Athletic Center.