SALEM, Ore. --- The George Fox women's volleyball team split its weekend series with Willamette after dropping a five-set match, 3-2, to the Bearcats on the road.

How It Happened

The rematch played out in almost a mirror image of the Bruins Thursday night performance in Newberg. Willamette won the first set, 25-22, and the Bruins were able to take the second and third sets for a 2-1 advantage in the match.

However, after jumping in front through three sets, it was the Bruins that struggled to close out the match this time around. The Bearcats were able to right the ship and won the fourth and fifth sets to level off the season series.

Top Performers

Bailey LeBreton led the team with 17 kills, Liv Alexander tallied 14, and both Paige O'Rear and Kassandra Staton notched 10. Laney Search dished out 54 assist and 24 digs to go along with a pair of service aces.

Their Thoughts

"We played great at moments and made some good changes from our last match, but in the end we did not pass well enough to win the fifth set," said coach Emily Davis.

What It Means

George Fox falls to 1-1 in NWC play and moves to 1-3 overall this spring, while the Bearcats improve to 1-4 overall and in conference play.

What Happens Next

The Bruins will play two matches next week against the Linfield Wildcats, beginning the series at home on Thursday, March 25.