PORTLAND, Ore. --- The Bruins took the first set, but could not sustain the momentum, falling 25-18, 22-25, 20-25, 21-25 Friday night at Lewis & Clark.

How It Happened 

The Bruins gained a set one foothold with a four-point service run behind Kirby Kennedy, taking a 16-11 lead and maintaining at least a four point advantage until Bailey LeBreton's culminating kill, one of ten in the match for the 5-10 middle blocker.

George Fox got out to a 10-7 lead in the second set, but the Pios would pull even midway through and take the lead for good on the Bruins' third service error of the period. After the side out gave Lewis & Clark a 20-19 lead, Michelle McGinn served three straight points with the Pios eventually prevailing 25-22.

Another McGinn service run gave the Pios an early 5-1 advantage in the third set. George Fox would pull even twice, but could never gain the lead. The Bruins fell behind 19-11 at one point and could get no closer than four.

The final set was close throughout as neither team had more than a two point lead until Lewis & Clark's finishing run. Kennedy Kibby tooled a shot off the block to pull the Bruins to 21-22, but the Lewis & Clark setter McGinn distributed to three different attackers as the Pios closed out the match with a three-point run.

McGinn finished with 40 assists and Lewis & Clark had a .338 kill percentage, compared to .239 for the Bruins. 

Top Performers

The Bruins had a balanced attack with a dozen kills from Kassandra Staton and Addison Robertson and ten each from LeBreton and Caitlin Nemecek, who had a sizzling .529 kill percentage. Sophia Lawrence finished with 18 digs and two service aces.

Coach's Thoughts

"Lewis & Clark made some impressive improvements in tonight's match and played amazingly," said head coach Emily Davis. "Our block did not do a great job and our passing was inconsistent which made it very difficult to compete. I hope we can play better tomorrow."

What It Means

The Bruins fell to 1-2 in NWC action and  5-3 overall.

Up Next

With Wheeler Sports Center unavailable until October due to a court refurbishment, George Fox continues a long road swing with a trip to Pacific Lutheran Saturday.