FOREST GROVE, Ore. - Linfield head coach
Lacey Bell made her return to Forest Grove Tuesday night for the first time since leaving her assistant position at Pacific to take over for the Wildcats. While Linfield kept the match competitive, it ultimately fell short losing 3-1 at the Stoller Center.
The first set started in a back-and-forth affair before Pacific strung together a 10-3 run to take an eight point lead and eventually win the set 25-14.
To start the second set, the Wildcats were able to make some key adjustments that allowed them to be more competitive. Linfield battled its way to a 20-18 lead before the Boxers scored seven straight points and won the set 25-22.
After settling into their adjustments, the Wildcats decisively won the third set. They got out to a quick 10-2 lead and never looked back, winning 25-15.
The fourth set proved to be Pacific's best as the Boxers rediscovered their footing and pulled away with a 25-18 victory.
Araeya Watanabe and
Nora Myre led the Wildcats recording 10 kills each and
Journey DePonte added eight.
Paige Richards and
Katelyn Mawdsley impressed from the back line with three aces apiece.
Kanoe Contreras facilitated the ball well Tuesday night, logging 30 assists for the Wildcats.
Defensively, Linfield finished with 10 blocks on the match. Myre showed her versatility with 16 digs and
Bella Rodriguez registered eight of her own.
For the Boxers, Emma Velchek led the way with 15 kills and Mara Murphy finished with eight. Danica Nelson bolstered the defense with 22 digs while Victoria Patnaude recorded seven blocks.
NEXT
Linfield continues its NWC road trip on Friday, taking on the Pacific Lutheran Lutes at 7 p.m. in Tacoma.
