MCMINNVILLE, Ore. – The energy and excitement was palpable in Ted Wilson Gymnasium for Saturday's conclusion to the Oregon Trail Classic. Linfield started the day losing to Bushnell in straight sets before bouncing back to beat Pacific Union in a thrilling 3-1 match, securing new head coach
Lacey Bell her first career home victory.
The Wildcats opened the tournament on Friday with a loss to Mary Hardin-Baylor, but turned it around to grasp their first win of the season against Multnomah.
BUSHNELL 3, LINFIELD 0
The Wildcats were unable to find their footing in Saturday's first match, getting swept by Bushnell (25-18, 25-18, 25-22).
Araeya Watanabe and
Katelyn Mawdsley made their presence known on the offensive end, logging six kills each.
Nora Myre contributed to the effort with four of her own.
Defense was a true team effort for Linfield as
Marina Erosa recorded seven digs while Watanabe added six and Myre poured in five more. Madi Millard stood tall at the net, able to block nine Bushnell attacks.
Bushnell benefited from the leadership of junior Hailey Heider who finished the match at 11 kills and nine digs. The Beacons also saw solid contributions from Ariana Guerra with nine kills and Amyah Semau with nine digs.
The third set turned out to be the most competitive of the match, seeing seven ties and four lead changes before the Beacons ultimately pulled away.
LINFIELD 3, PACIFIC UNION 1
In an exciting back-and-forth affair, The Wildcats pulled through Saturday night, securing a 3-1 victory over the Pacific Union Pioneers.
On the offensive end, Linfield's veterans
Araeya Watanabe and
Marina Erosa led by example, totaling double-digit kills and six digs each.
Journey DePonte also contributed Saturday night with seven kills and an impressive .400 shitting percentage.
Paige Richards anchored the Wildcats' defense from the libero position with 11 digs while
Kanoe Contreras racked up eight and
Nora Myre had seven. Linfield totaled 16 total blocks, with Madi Millard being credited with six.
Pacific Union's offense featured a team effort as Makenna Tutthill, Jaylee Mills and Madison Kindred finished with seven kills. Sesa Lumas had seven digs and the Pioneers managed only four blocks.
NEXT
Linfield continues its non-conference schedule on Wednesday when it takes on Warner Pacific in Portland before NWC play begins on Sept. 17 against Pacific.
