Linfield finds itself searching for the first conference win of the 2024 season after a 3-0 loss to Whitworth at Ted Wilson Gymnasium Friday night. The loss marks the first time that Linfield has started NWC play 0-4 since the 2021 season where the Wildcats lost their first ten conference games before securing a victory over Lewis & Clark.
Linfield's attack was an all-around effort with
Araeya Watanabe leading the 'Cats with five kills.
Journey DePonte and
Marina Erosa contributed four of their own while
Madison Millard and
Nora Myre added three.
Defensively, Linfield saw production from all over the court.
Katelyn Mawdsley rallied the front line with one solo block to go along with two block assists.
Nora Myre contributed with six digs while
Bella Rodriguez,
Araeya Watanabe and
Paige Richards recorded five.
Whitworth's Ella Jimenez anchored the Pirates' attack, tallying nine kills with Amblessed Okembgo and Lauren Kremer finishing with five. Taylor Miche led the defense with 19 digs for Whitworth.
The first set remained close at the start featuring seven ties and three lead changes. After a Whitworth point tied the set at 13, the Pirates would go on a 12-3 run to win 25-16.
The Wildcats started the middle set on fire, jumping out to a 5-1 lead behind the efforts of
Nora Myre. Whitworth slowly began to settle into the set and battled back to claim the second set 25-15.
The Pirates outpaced the 'Cats in the third set and pulled away late to close out the set 25-14 and secure a 3-0 victory in the match.
NEXT
Linfield is back in action Saturday night against Whitman, taking on the Blues at 6 p.m. in the Ted Wilson Gymnasium.
