TACOMA, Wash. – In a Wednesday night showdown, the Loggers secured the first two sets but ultimately succumbed to the undefeated Pacific Lutheran University Lutes, with a final score of 3-2. The set scores were 30-28, 28-26, 24-26, 22-25, and 13-15.

The first set proved to be a roller coaster with 20 ties and five lead changes, Katelyn Chekian led the Loggers with six kills and an impressive .600 hitting percentage, two of which finalized the 30-28 win. Collectively the Loggers tallied 17 kills on a .304 hitting percentage to stun the Lutes and claiming an early lead. 

Buoyed by their success, the Loggers carried their confidence into the second set, maintaining a firm grip on the lead throughout. At one point, they established a commanding 18-10 advantage, dominating across all categories. Avery Allemann, for the second time that evening, scored five kills at a remarkable .500 hitting rate.

The Lutes mounted a comeback clinching the third and fourth sets, but not without a struggle. In the third set, the Loggers were never more than five points behind, but it was a last point error from Winn that gave the Lutes some hope. In the fourth set, the Loggers initiated with a 4-0 lead, but the Lutes swiftly retaliated by scoring eight consecutive points, maintaining their lead until the end. 

The last set kept the fans on the edge of their seats as the Loggers made a hard push to beat the undefeated Lutes, but eight errors from the Loggers ultimately held them from victory. 

Two Loggers set career-high hitting records, Chekian with 19 kills and Allemann with 18 kills. Akira Anderson also reached a career-high 22 digs, while Winn notched a season-high 51 assists. Mia Fedota contributed six blocks, with Allemann adding five to her name. Samantha Keightley led the Loggers in digs with 23 and Sarah Johnsen put up 11 kills. Anderson came out with four service aces. 

The Loggers are set to face Lewis and Clark College at 7 p.m. on Friday night in Memorial Fieldhouse.