NEWBERG, Ore. -- The George Fox women's volleyball team put together a commanding offensive performance at home and clinched their first home victory over Puget Sound since 2018, 3-1. 

How It Happened
The first set was fiercely contested, with six lead changes as the two teams traded points. Three aces from the Loggers in the span of five points saw them begin to pull away, but the Bruins quickly recovered with four unanswered points of their own. Fox only recorded two errors in the entire game and eventually claimed the set, 25-22.

The second set began similarly, with both teams going blow for blow. An ace by Piper Harrop was followed by kills from Kassanda Staton and Taylor Dekoning, and gave the Bruins control of the game. However, a series of attacking errors saw the momentum shift to Puget Sound – the Loggers proceeded to put up three straight points to run away with the set, 25-19.

Fox came out hot in the third set, and five straight points saw them jump out to an early lead, 9-3. Puget Sound attempted to fight their way back into the game, but an ace from Katelyn Johnson and back-to-back kills by Addison Robinson gave them the set, 25-18.

From here, George Fox put together a clinical performance, with only two total errors in the fourth set. The Loggers were able to match the Bruins in kills, but were never able to gain the lead, and a final kill from Robinson saw the Bruins clinch the set to put the game away, 3-1. 
           
Top Performers
Kassandra Staton and Addison Robertson led George Fox's offensive charge, recording 14 and 12 kills respectively. Senior Kennedy Kibby finished the match with 28 assists, while Piper Harrop recorded a season-best four service aces. Defensively, Harrop also led the way with 20 digs, and Olivia Jacobsen had four blocks on the day. 

Coach's Thoughts
"Puget Sound had the toughest serves we've seen in a long time," Bruin head coach Emily Davis said, "I'm proud of our team for fighting back, we improved each set tonight and rebounded from errors so well. It was great volleyball and I am excited for what's to come."

What It Means
George Fox improves to 12-5 on the season (8-2 NWC) and sit at second in the conference, while the Loggers fall to 12-5 (5-4 NWC). 

What Happens Next
The Bruins will travel to face Whitman in Walla Walla, Wash. next Friday at 7:00 p.m.