MCMINNVILLE, Ore. – Linfield came into Ted Wilson Gymnasium with one thought: domination. The Wildcats did just that in all facets of Tuesday's match against head coach
Lacey Bell's former school, Pacific, sweeping the Boxers 3-0 (25-12, 25-22, 25-22).
The Wildcats came out strong in the first set, dominating from both the net with eight blocks and the back line with 14 digs. Linfield jumped out to a 14-6 lead before the Boxers called a timeout to stop the bleeding.
Marina Erosa refused to let the momentum die and recorded five kills as Linfield pulled away for a 25-12 victory.
Pacific adjusted its gameplan in the second set and were much more competitive. While Linfield led for most of the match, the Wildcats never led by more than four points and Pacific tied the set at 22. Linfield regained the lead on a Boxers' error and then a huge block by
Kaitlyn Hough followed by a
Marina Erosa ace gave the 'Cats a 25-22 victory.
The third set featured a back and forth battle with six lead changes and 10 ties. Leading 22-21 late in the set,
Kanoe Contreras placed the ball perfectly on two service aces before
Araeya Watanabe slammed the ball, securing a 25-22 victory and a Linfield sweep.
With
Nora Myre sidelined for the match,
Marina Erosa filled the offensive hole for Linfield, recording 11 kills and 12.5 points.
Pi'ilani Hirahara stuffed the stat sheet with 16 assists to go along with 10 digs and
Camryn Hirst led the Wildcats in hitting percentage at .400.
Paige Richards played a crucial role in the win, recording eight digs, each of which provided timely stops to the Pacific attack.
Pacific's Mara Murphy had 18 kills in the match on a .179 hitting percentage while Sarah Hon led in assists with 15 and Danica Nelson fortified the defense with 19 digs.
NEXT
Linfield turns its attention to Puget Sound who visits Ted Wilson Gymnasium on Friday at 7 p.m.
