WALLA WALLA, Wash. – Despite a strong all-around effort from the Wildcats, Linfield's comeback bid came up just short against Whitman 3-1 in a Northwest Conference matchup Friday night at Sherwood Center. The Wildcats dropped sets one (25-17), two (25-23), and four (25-20), while taking the third set (25-21).
The second set proved to the be tightest, featuring eight ties and three lead changes. Whitman took a 10-6 lead after a four point run and maintained that lead until Linfield pulled off a 7-2 run of its own to tie the set at 21. Both teams scored one more point before Whitman scored two straight to take the set.
Junior
Araeya Watanabe led Linfield offensively, recording 15 kills with a .180 hitting percentage, adding two service aces and one block.
Madison Millard contributed significantly, tallying seven kills, one service ace, and a solo block. Setter
Pi'ilani Hirahara showed her versatility, orchestrating the offense with 20 assists and supporting the defense with 11 digs.
On defense,
Paige Richards anchored the back row with a game-high 20 digs, while Watanabe also contributed with 15. Linfield combined for 68 digs, matching Whitman's defensive intensity.
The Wildcats posted eight service aces, with Watanabe, Millard,
Nora Myre, and
Paige Pa'aluhi each chipping in. Despite the offensive efforts, Linfield struggled with consistency, hitting .128 overall with 21 errors on 156 total attempts.
Whitman's balanced attack and strong net presence, led by 48 kills and 11 blocks, proved challenging for the Wildcats.
NEXT
Linfield plays the back end of its back-to-back Saturday night when it takes on Whitworth at 6 p.m.
