MCMINNVILLE, Ore. – Linfield concluded its 2024 season with a commanding 3-1 victory over Willamette on Senior Night at Ted Wilson Gymnasium, securing a strong finish to the seniors' careers. The Wildcats, who celebrated their seniors
Marina Erosa and
Paige Richards, closed out the match with set scores of 22-25, 25-21, 25-17, and 25-22.
The match saw standout performances from both Erosa and Richards, with Erosa finishing with 16 points, including 15 kills, and Richards contributing with 20 digs and seven assists. Both seniors were key in helping Linfield overcome a rocky first set, where they struggled with errors but found their rhythm in the following sets.
In the second set, Linfield's offensive attack was ignited by
Madison Millard, who had 12.5 points, and
Nora Myre, who contributed with 18 points. Myre's consistent play, which included 15 kills and 19 digs, was pivotal in the Wildcats' comeback. Erosa's powerful attacks helped Linfield take control in the third and fourth sets, with the Wildcats gaining momentum and putting the game out of reach.
Defensively,
Camryn Hirst was solid at the net, recording three blocks, while
Pi'ilani Hirahara's playmaking abilities were crucial, registering 13 digs and 18 assists. Additionally, freshman
Kanoe Contreras stepped up with 11 assists and 9 digs, playing a critical role in maintaining Linfield's offensive flow.
While Willamette fought hard, led by Nora Wade with 9 points and Kaitlyn Westby with 7.5 points, the Bearcats were unable to match Linfield's balanced attack and stout defense as the match continued on.
The victory on Senior Night also marked a strong team effort, with contributions from multiple players, including
Anela Madarang-Brandes and
Paige Pa'aluhi, who played pivotal supporting roles. The Wildcats' solid performance across all aspects of the game showcased their potential and gave the seniors a fitting send-off as they look forward to the next chapter.
