PORTLAND, Ore. -
Marina Erosa's hand struck the ball, and celebration erupted from the Linfield bench as the ball crashed into the floor at the Pamplin Sports Center on Tuesday night, securing a 3-0 sweep for the Wildcats over Lewis & Clark, Linfield's first Northwest Conference win of the season. The scores of each set were 25-21, 25-21 and 25-19.
The 'Cats played their best match of the season against the Pioneers and were able to gain significant momentum as Linfield crosses the midway point of the season.
Linfield came out on fire in the first set, winning the first five point. Lewis & Clark battled back from the early deficit and capitalized on a few Linfield errors to take a 20-19 lead late in the set.
Madison Millard then stepped up for the Wildcats with two aces during Linfield's five-point run to win the set 25-21.
The second set started out tight as there were three ties in the first eight points before Linfield began to pull away.
Marina Erosa recorded seven kills in the set as Linfield won 25-21 after a late Lewis & Clark run got the Pioneers back into the set.
Feeling the pressure of a 2-0 hole, Lewis & Clark began the third set aggressive. The Pioneers jumped out to an 11-7 lead behind three kills from Annika Traxler. After settling into the match, Linfield fought to tie up the set before going on an 11-3 run to win 25-19.
Linfield's balanced performance was highlighted by
Nora Myre's standout 16 kills and five aces, leading the charge in a thrilling win.
Marina Erosa followed closely with 14 kills, while
Katelyn Mawdsley chipped in five more to round out the offensive attack.
Paige Richards anchored the defense with 10 digs, supported by
Malia Haynes with six. From the service line,
Madison Millard and
Pi'ilani Hirahara each added two aces to round out a commanding all-around team performance.
Lewis & Clark was led by Annika Traxler with seven kills while Ella Ruark contributed six. Ruby Kuerschner provided defensive support with seven digs and Kelsie Nakashima added five.
NEXT
Linfield takes a break from NWC play in its next match, taking on Western Oregon in Monmouth, Oregon next Tuesday at 7 p.m.
