The Linfield volleyball team get torn down by the George Fox University Bruins and the Pacific University Boxers on homecoming weekend, Oct. 4 and 5.
A Wildcat win slip through their paws and into the hands of Pacific on Oct. 5 with a tough three set loss.
Starting the first set, the Wildcats were slow to start, earning the first point off a service error by Pacific. The ‘Cats regain their footing momentarily earning kills by sophomore Shayli Coppock, juniors Kailana Ritte-Camara and Victoria Thompson, and freshman Molly McTaggart. Bringing the score up to 5-8, Linfield fought to catch the Boxers, but Pacific managed to stay ahead. The set ended 20-25 and a Pacific University win.
The second set was kicked off with an attack error made by Ritte-Camara, followed by a kill by Pacific, quickly earning the Boxers a two-point lead. Shortly after, Coppock earned Linfield’s first point of the set. Tying several times during the set, but in the end the Wildcats fell 21-25.
The final set against Pacific started off with a Wildcat lead, with Ritte Camara earning the first kill of the set. For the first few points, Linfield kept up with the Boxers but they slowly pulled ahead, burying the Wildcats 15-25.
“Communication was good, but I think in volleyball there is always room to improve,” Thompson said in an email. “We just need to find that fire we have when it’s game point and apply it throughout the whole game.”
Linfield also faced off with George Fox on Oct. 4 in Newberg, Ore.
The ‘Cats once again could not find their finish against the Bruins going 0-3 sets.
“The communication at the George Fox game was pretty good. Because Coach Shane changed the lineup, it required a lot more communication and teamwork to perform the way we did,” freshman Casie Gaza said.
The first set ended 16-25. The second set finished with a score of 20-25, and the final set was won by the Bruins, 17-25. Despite this lose, the Wildcats know what they need to work on next game.
“We just need to beat the mental part of the game,” Thompson said in an email. “We all have the physical side down and have amazing potential, we just need to execute now and put that potential to use.”
The Wildcats will play their next four games at home, starting with Whitworth University on Oct. 11 at 7 p.m., followed by a game against Whitman College on Oct. 12 at 6 p.m.
By Kaylyn Peterson/Managing editor
Junior outside hitter Kailana Ritte-Kamara goes up to spike the ball past the two Pacific University blockers. Ritte-Camara had nine kills, leading the Wildcats on the night. The team is going up against Whitworth University on Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. and Whitman College on Oct. 12 at 6 p.m.
Tyson Takeuchi/Senior sports photographer
Freshman outside hitter Molly McTaggart hits the ball over the head of the two Pacific University defenders on Oct. 5. The Wildcats lost to Pacific by a score of 0-3.
Tyson Takeuchi/Senior sports photographer
