McMINNVILLE, Ore. – The Linfield volleyball team stole one set from a strong Whitworth squad, but the Pirates prevailed with a 3-1 win over the Wildcats on Friday night at Ted Wilson Gymnasium.
 
The 'Cats took the third set, 26-24, but the Pirates won by scores of 25-11, 25-21, 24-26 and 25-12. The Pirates finished with 45 kills, nine aces, 14 blocks, 44 assists, 77 digs and a .208 hitting percentage.
 
Madison Lee went off for the Pirates. She finished tied for the match-high with the Wildcats' Raelynn Hammock with 13 kills to go with 17 digs, three aces, two assists and a .263 hitting percentage. Abby Wolverton also racked up double digit kills with 11 of her own with a .276 hitting percentage. Saylor Anderson led the Pirates with 21 assists while Eva Millan had a match-high 27 digs.
 
A junior outside hitter, Hammock's 13 kills and 15 digs led the 'Cats. Junior middle blocker Ellie Mead had a solid night at the net with five blocks to go with eight kills and a .217 hitting percentage. Mead ranks seventh in the Northwest Conference with 0.80 blocks per set.
 
Junior setter Aylea Dixon was a facilitator for the 'Cats again, finishing with 27 assists and eight digs. She leads the NWC with 335 assists and 9.05 assists per set. Freshman libero Paige Richards helped to anchor the 'Cats defensively with 12 digs. 
 
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The Pirates, picked to win it all in the NWC Preseason Coaches Poll, improved to 8-2 overall and 3-0 in NWC play with the win. The 'Cats fell to 4-6 overall and 0-3 in conference play.
 
The 'Cats will be back at Ted Wilson Gymnasium on Saturday, hosting Whitman at 6 p.m. as they look to pick up their first win in Northwest Conference play.
 
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.