TACOMA, Wash. – The Linfield volleyball team returned to action Friday night, losing in straight sets to Pacific Lutheran at Olson Auditorium. It was the Wildcats' first match in nearly two weeks.
 
The Lutes won by scores of 27-25, 25-16 and 25-12. They racked up 41 kills, 41 assists and 59 digs with a .245 hitting percentage. The 'Cats finished with 31 kills, 45 digs, 30 assists and a .123 hitting percentage.
 
The Lutes were led by junior Baylee Johnson with 11 kills to go with two digs and a .259 hitting percentage. Senior Jazz Alston finished with nine kills and a .500 hitting percentage while junior Hailey Iha and senior McKenzie Pfeiffer had seven kills apiece.
 
Junior outside hitter Raelynn Hammock finished in double digit kills for the 'Cats. She had 10 kills and eight digs. Hammock is averaging 3.31 kills per set this fall, leading the team and ranking fourth in the Northwest Conference.
 
Junior middle blocker Ellie Mead finished with eight kills on a .267 hitting percentage while senior outside hitter Regan Dean had five kills and four digs. Junior setter Aylea Dixon led the 'Cats with 28 assists while junior defensive specialist Maya Nakasone led the team with 11 digs.
 
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The 'Cats fell to 4-8 overall and 0-7 in Northwest Conference play with the loss. They suffered two conference losses last week as their matches at Lewis & Clark and Pacific were canceled due to COVID-19 protocols.
 
Saturday marks Homecoming for Linfield. The 'Cats will host George Fox at 6 p.m. at Ted Wilson Gymnasium.
 
LINFIELD COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
All individuals (age 12 and over) entering any athletics venue must provide proof of vaccination along with photo identification. Since all Linfield faculty, staff and students have completed this task in order to be on campus this fall, the Linfield individual must simply show their current Linfield ID.
 
Masks must be worn by all spectators at all times. Participants, including players, coaches, support staff and media on the sidelines, must wear masks throughout the duration of all athletic events, both indoor and outdoor, and during pregame and postgame activities.