McMINNVILLE, Ore. – It took all five sets, but the Linfield volleyball team got the job done with a win in its home opener against neighboring Warner Pacific on Tuesday night at Ted Wilson Gymnasium.
 
The Wildcats won back-to-back sets to take the five-set thriller by scores of 25-18, 18-25, 27-29, 25-20 and 15-9. The team totaled 60 kills, nine aces, eight blocks, 59 assists and 66 digs.
 
Junior outside hitter Raelynn Hammock led the charge again, leading the 'Cats with 15 kills and finishing tied with sophomore defensive specialist Yssa Alcones with a match-high 16 digs.
 
A few key players stepped up for the 'Cats. Junior middle blocker Seraiah Ochse doubled her season-high with 14 kills in the match to go with three aces, a block, two digs and a .522 hitting percentage. Freshman outside hitter Brooklin Champion also finished with a season-high nine kills while junior middle blocker Ellie Mead turned in eight kills.
 
Junior setter Aylea Dixon racked up 53 assists with two kills, two aces and nine digs. She has 201 assists on the season.
 
The Knights' Grace Buchanan led all scorers with 22 kills to go with 14 digs and a .196 hitting percentage while Matalasi Laban finished with 29 assists.
 
NEXT
The 'Cats improved to 3-2 on the season and will hit the road for their next four matches. They will play against Mills at Lewis & Clark on Saturday, Sept. 11, before opening conference play at Willamette on Wednesday, Sept. 15.
 
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, proof of vaccination is required for all spectators at Linfield home events.