The Wildcats pummel the Bearcats in a close battled match Wednesday night. Linfield beats Willamette 25-23, 25-22 and 25-19. The ‘Cats went 3-0 sets.

“I think we’re feeling pretty good. We had a really good weekend last weekend and to come out and win tonight shows us that were improving,” Casie Gaza, ’17, said.

She added, “I think it’s a good start to the second half of conference. I think we need to get better with our defense both at the net and how were lining up behind but overall; I’d say were really pleased thus far.”

The first set had 10 kills, two errors, 40 total attempts and a hitting percentage of .200.

The attack was led by Molly McTaggart, ’17, with 11 kills, 32 total attempts and .281 hitting percentage. Darian Stedman, ’19, closely follows with 10 kills, 32 total attempts and .188 hitting percentage. Audrey Hyem, ’19, had eight kills for the evening along with Taylor Petersen, ’19, who had six kills.

The Wildcats had a total of 39 kills, 15 errors, 132 total attempts and .182 hitting percentage.

Gaza and Jamie Talbo, ’19, were assist queens for the night. Gaza had 18 assists and Talbo 13. The ‘Cats total assists count for the evening is 39.

“We played well all around. We passed well and spread the ball offensively so we are happy,” McTaggart, said.

The second set had 13 kills, seven errors, 45 total attempts and a hitting percentage of .133.

Kayla Magbaleta, ’19, led the defense with whooping 34 digs. Talbo, Gaza, Hyem, McTaggart, Petersen, Stedman, Gabi Lau, ’20 and Tiara Huffaker, ’19, all contributed bringing the ‘Cats dig total to 66 for the night.

The Wildcats had six team blocks and individual blocks brought by Stedman and Hyem.

The third set had 16 kills, six errors, 47 total attempts and a hitting percentage of .213.

McTaggart, when asked about team chemistry, stated, “Really great! Everyone brought energy and played together well.”

She added, what her favorite point was, “Winning in three [laughing] it’s hard to do so I’m proud of that.”

The Wildcats’ season record is 8-7 and a Northwest Conference record of 3-6.

Catch the ‘Cats play the Puget Sound Loggers at 6 p.m. on Saturday in the Ted Wilson Gym.