MCMINNVILLE, Ore. --- Linfield volleyball (7-11, 5-8 NWC) dominated in the opening set against the No.1 team in the Northwest Conference, but the Puget Sound Loggers (16-6, 12-1 NWC) claimed Friday's match in four sets.
 
Looking to even the season series with the Loggers, the Wildcats tied the first set at 4-4, before climbing out to a 7-4 lead, forcing a Puget Sound timeout. The lead continued to grow as Linfield was able to capitalize on Puget Sound errors and kills from Tatum Montiel, Araeya Watanabe, and Nora Myre. 
 
UPS took their second and final timeout midway through the set, as Linfield grabbed a 14-8 lead. The momentum stayed with the 'Cats, extending their run to 8-0 and now boasting a nine-point lead on the conference-leading Loggers. Linfield's lead grew as much as 11, cruising to a 25-15 win in the first set thanks to Lani Taliloa's dagger.
 
Puget Sound took the first two points of the second set, but the 'Cats tied the match four times before climbing out to a 10-7 lead. The Loggers were able to cut into the lead, tying the match back up twice, up until they would regain the lead at 18-17. 
 
Their first lead since 2-0 in the set grew to 21-18 before Jenna Street would call her first timeout of the match. Puget Sound was able to close the set thanks to a 13-5 run, tying the match at one a-piece.
 
After a 3-3 tie to begin the third, a 4-0 run put the Loggers up early. The 'Cats clawed back, taking their first lead of the set at 9-8, forcing a UPS timeout. The timeout propelled a 5-0 run in favor of Puget Sound, then forcing Coach Street to take a timeout of her own. 
 
The break provided the 'Cats a bit of a spark as well, taking five of six to tie the match at 14-14. Momentum abruptly shifted Puget Sound's way, as a six-nothing run forced a second and final Wildcat timeout. Naia Alefaio-Foifua tried to bring Linfield back into the set, but the mid—set run by UPS was enough to take the third set, 25-19.
 
Puget Sound stormed out to an early 4-0 lead to open the fourth, to which Street and the Wildcats took a timeout. The Logger lead grew to 7-0, but Linfield fought back to make it 10-5, and force a UPS timeout.
 
The Loggers maintained, holding a five-point lead over the 'Cats over the next 14 points. UPS led 19-13 at the second and final Linfield timeout. Puget Sound slammed the door shut as Katelyn Mawdsley and Nora Myre tried to bring the 'Cats back, taking the fourth and final set, 25-20. 
 
Myre led Linfield with 13 kills on 44 attacks, swinging .114 for the match. Both Pi'ilani Hirahara and Margaritah Banuelos had 19 assists, with Banuelos leading the team in digs with 12. Mawdsley, Millard, and Lani Taliloa stopped two blocks each. 
 
Volleyball is back in Ted Wilson Gymnasium tomorrow evening, looking to snap a four-match skid, hosting the Pacific Lutheran Lutes (12-8, 10-3 NWC) at 6 p.m. 
 
 
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