Linfield University Athletics

PORTLAND, Ore.. --- Volleyball (5-7, 3-4 NWC) slammed the door shut on a comeback by the Lewis & Clark Pioneers (0-14, 0-7 NWC) on Friday night, capturing the 3-2 win in a dominant fifth set. 
 
The Wildcats early lead in the opening set was negated by a run by the Pioneers who took a 109 lead early. Following a 6-1 run that featured Lani Taliloa and Katelyn Mawdsley on offense and defense, Linfield gained some breathing room. But once again, Lewis & Clark climbed back to take a 22-21 lead. Kills by Taliloa and Myre led to one final block by Mawdsley and Tatum Montiel to cap off a 4-0 run to give the 'Cats a 25-22 win in the opening set.
 
Set two was back and forth yet again with both teams unable to put the other away, the set saw six instances of a tied score, with Taliloa and Montiel helping the 'Cats to comeback from set point at 24-21, forcing extra points. Each team faced set point late, fighting back to win two-points in a row and putting the pressure on the other. Trailing 28-27, Myre was the one to bring Linfield back, capturing two of the final three points for the 'Cats, claiming a long 30-28 win in set two.
 
Looking for a sweep in straight-sets, Linfield's early lead was squandered by the Lewis & Clark offense, as the Pios grabbed set three 25-16. Linfield led 9-2 early in the fourth, behind a 7-0 run that featured back-to-back blocks by Myre, Madison Millard, and Araeya Watanabe. The Pioneers ensuing run helped them tie the set back up at 15-15, before taking a 21-19 lead over the Wildcats. Millard helped Linfield tie the set up at 24-24, but Lewis & Clark was able to fend off the 'Cats in the next two points, forcing a fifth set. 
 
Following a 1-1 tie in the deciding set, Myre led her team on a 7-0 run, taking a commanding 8-1 run as the teams switched the sides of the court. The momentum followed the 'Cats shortly after, closing the set on another 7-0 run to cruise to a 15-3 dominant win in the fifth set. 
 
Myre did what she does best, tallying 17 kills on a .178 hitting percentage, while also tying for a team-high in digs with 14. The outside hitter joined Margaritah Banuelos to combine for six of the 'Cats seven total aces from behind the service line. Banuelos and Pi'ilani Hirahara handled the setting duties primarily, with 46 of Linfield's 52 total assists. 
 
Linfield gets back on track, remaining inside the top-four of the conference standing's with Friday's win.
 
 
The 'Cats return home for tomorrow night's Homecoming match against Yamhill rival George Fox at 6 p.m. inside Ted Wilson Gymnasium. 
 
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