Septembre Russell
Copy editor
The women’s volleyball team competed against Cascade College at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6 in the Ted Wilson Gymnasium. The ’Cats took the win in three matches, scoring 25-18, 25-19 and 25-20 to add to their previous record of 4-0.
Service from Cascade sophomore Katie Schmidt caused Linfield to give up points at the start of the opening match. Shakiness left the ‘Cats open to error with loose passes and blocked hits, but once the team found its momentum their athleticism was difficult to top.
Senior libero Meghan Flink pushed the ‘Cats through an 11-11 tie while the team continued to facilitate excellent communication and remained active both in foot and mind.
The ‘Cats kept it tight at the net, utilizing quick-sets that added power to their already forceful hits, while the Thunderbirds spread their offense out, putting them at a disadvantage.
“Everyone has to be ready to play, everyone has to be ready to hit the ball,” senior middle blocker Kelsey Habura said.
Junior setter Stephanie Purser dominated in the third match, resulting in a game-high 15 kills by junior Emily Vuylsteke and another 11 from senior Kelsey French.
Freshman outside hitter Samantha Lau contributed to the win with great serves and five kills. Lau said she didn’t feel too much pressure; instead she was just nervous about her first time playing college volleyball.
The Wildcats held their ground defensively, as well. Purser, French and senior defensive specialist Rachel Rahn achieved double-digit defensive digs of 10, 18 and 11 respectively while middle blockers Habura and Vulysteke were all hands in the second game.
Head coach Shane Kimura led the team to place third in the Northwest Conference last season, and they finished the season with a 15-10 record. The loss of All-American Katelyn Baker will not affect the team adversely, as the returners and new players will step up to fill her spot.
“There’s not just one person we go to, we have to include everybody,” Habura said. “We all know what we need to do to improve.”
This season they are planning to concentrate on being consistent and working perfectly as a team although there is not any immediate pressure to match last season’s outcome, Lau said.
“We’d all like to come higher than third in the Northwest Conference,” she said.
Kimura said the team’s goal this season is to win the conference championship.
“Our ball control could be better, but we’re off to a good start,” he said.
Lau and Habura said they are ready to work together as a team this year.
“We’re excited to see what happens,” Habura said.
Because of weather conditions influenced by Hurricane Ike, the River City Classic tournament in San Antonio, Texas on Sept. 12 and 13 has been cancelled.
The Northwest Conference season will begin Sept. 19 and 20 in Tacoma, Wash. Linfield will compete with University of Puget Sound on Sept. 19 and last season’s NWC champion Pacific Lutheran University on Sept. 20. Both games will take place at 7 p.m.
