FOREST GROVE, Ore. -- The George Fox women's volleyball team wrapped up its non-conference schedule on Saturday, Sept. 10 with a neutral-court win against a quality opponent in (RV) UC Santa Cruz (19-25, 25-21, 25-20, 26-24).

How It Happened

The Banana Slugs got the better of the Bruins in set one, 25-19, after hitting .444 as a team. The Bruins were able to play efficiently in the first set as well, but couldn't overcome the Slugs' team attack line of 15-3-27.

Fox was able to limit UCSC more effectively in set two and took advantage of eight Slug errors to even the match at 1-1. Led by six kills from Kassandra Staton in the second set, Fox broke a late tie at 17-17 with a late 8-4 burst to win 25-21.

Riding their momentum from the end of the second stanza, Fox jumped in front to start the third set. Four straight aces served up by Kaitlyn Johnson helped stretch the lead and Fox finished with a comfortable 25-20 win in set three to take command of the match, 2-1.

The fourth set featured a renewed focus from the Slugs and both teams traded side outs to a 16-16 tie just past the midpoint of the fourth frame. It stayed tight the rest of the way and required a bit of free volleyball with extra swings to end it, but Fox prevailed 26-24 to win the match against the Slugs in four.

Top Performances

Staton and Bailey LeBreton led all players with 13 kills each and combined at the net for eight blocks — LeBreton led all players with five total blocks. Kennedy Kibby led all players with 24 assists and Addison Hawes dished out another 17 for Fox, while Piper Harrop produced a team-high 12 digs. Johnson served up a total of six aces to help the Bruins' cause.

What It Means

The Bruins improve to 3-4 overall and are 3-3 in neutral matches to close out their non-conference schedule.

What Happens Next

Fox returns home to host its conference opener against Lewis & Clark on Wednesday, Sept. 14, in Miller Gym with a 7:00 pm start.