TACOMA, Washington – A resilient Puget Sound volleyball team rallied to win a thrilling third set, but the Loggers ultimately fell to Willamette on Saturday night, 3-1 (25-13, 25-16, 25-27, 25-21).

After the dropping the first two sets, Puget Sound (8-12, 5-7 NWC) trailed 22-17 in the third set. Although Willamette (13-7, 9-3 NWC) appeared to be poised for a sweep, Erika Smith sparked the Loggers' comeback. A kill by Smith made the deficit 22-18, and she followed with consecutive service aces to bring Puget Sound within two points.

The Bearcats scored the next two points to bring Willamette to match point, 24-20, but the Loggers rallied for five consecutive points. Emily Convery and Shawna Smith recorded kills during the streak while Willamette committed three errors. A kill by Smith sealed the 27-25 victory in the set.

Puget Sound nearly staged a similar comeback in the fourth set. The Bearcats held a 23-16 lead, but the Loggers went on a 5-1 run to get within 24-21. This time, however, Willamette was able to walk away with the win.

Shawna Smith and Convery lead the Puget Sound attack with nine kills apiece, while Smith added 15 digs. Convery totaled a team-high 14 points on the night. Kayla Thaller posted a double-double for the Loggers with 15 assists and 12 digs.

The Loggers open Homecoming Weekend by hosting George Fox on Friday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m.

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