BOX SCORE

McMINVILLE, Ore. – After dropping the first two sets of the match, the Lewis & Clark volleyball team fought back to take the next three sets to defeat the Linfield Wildcats 3-2 in a Northwest Conference match-up. The Pioneers (10-7, 6-2 NWC) won the match by the final scores of 18-25, 21-25, 25-18, 25-19, 15-7.

Linfield took control of set one, including back-to-back aces by Emily Carpenter to give the Wildcats a 19-12 advantage. Two Linfield kills down the stretch sealed the set in the Wildcats favor, 25-18. 

In the second set the Pioneers found themselves ahead 6-1 before the Wildcats came from behind to take a 17-16 advantage. The Wildcats were able to hold off the Pioneers for the 25-21 win.

Despite trailing two sets the Pioneers kept their composure heading into the third set, once again jumping out to an early lead. The Wildcats cut the Pioneer lead to 12-11 before the Pios responded with an 8-2 run to take control with senior Jessamy Holland ending set three with a kill.

The fourth set again favored the Pios who were able to make plays down the stretch, including a 10-4 run forcing a fifth and deciding set.

The Pioneers, once again set the tempo, including a 7-1 run to close out the set and the match. After freshman Elena Hoff put the Pioneers up 10-6 on an ace, the Wildcats lost any defensive rhythm they had left, committing several errors.

Sophomore Margaret Dowling led the Pios with a game-high 16 kills, while freshman setter Leia Matsunaga dished out an impressive 49 assists.

Tera Hill tied Dowling for a game-high 16 kills for the Wildcats, while Samantha Lau picked up a game-high 25 digs.

The Pioneers return to the court on Wednesday, Oct. 14 when they host George Fox at 7 p.m. in a NWC contest.