TACOMA, Wash. – Puget Sound Volleyball lost a thrilling match 3-2 to the Whitworth University Pirates on Friday night at Memorial Fieldhouse, despite winning the second and third sets. The set scores were 14-25, 25-20, 25-17, 22-25, 11-15.
In the opening set, the Pirates took an early lead with 11 kills and nine errors by the Loggers, and they maintained their momentum after establishing a commanding 19-8 lead.
The Loggers turned it around in the second set, with four lead changes and ten tie scores, the Loggers kept to pace with the Pirates.
Mackenzie Leith and
Erin Fagan each contributed four kills, helping the Loggers secure a 13-13 tie and maintain their lead until the end. The Loggers had a total of 15 kills with a hitting rate of .263 in this set.
The third set also favored Puget Sound as they jumped to an early 10-3 lead that wittled away at Whitworth's chances.
Sarah Johnsen's four kills and
Mackenzie Leith's final winning kill propelled the Loggers to victory.
However, the Pirates responded in the fourth set, taking a 22-18 lead. The Loggers fought back tying it up 22-22, an error by Puget Sound and two remarkable blocks by the Pirates secured their win. The Loggers made 14 kills compared to the Pirates' 13, but it was ten errors by the Loggers and a .263 hitting percentage for the Pirates that proved decisive.
The final set kept fans on edge as the Loggers started the set with a competitive lead, 7-3. Amblessed Okemgbo's seven consecutive serves allowed the Pirates to regain the lead 11-7. Although the Loggers attempted a back with two kills by
Avery Allemann, the Pirates retaliated with three kills of their own to take the victory.
Fagan led the Loggers with 13 kills, followed by Johnsen with ten.
Logan Winn continued her impressive performance with 39 assists and 13 digs, while
Mia Fedota contributed five blocks, and
Samantha Keightley managed 25 digs. The Loggers totaled six service aces and 77 digs, compared to the Pirates 65 digs and one ace.
For the Pirates, Ella Jimenez was a standout with 14 kills and a .290 hitting rate. Mya Rodriguez had 24 assists, Taylor Miche had 19 digs, and Cassidy Franklin delivered an impressive eight blocks.
Puget Sound Volleyball's last home match is scheduled for tomorrow, Oct. 28, at 6 p.m. in Memorial Fieldhouse against Whitman College. We will be celebrating six seniors before the match begins, join is in honoring these graduates and their achievements.
