SPOKANE, Wash. – The George Fox women's volleyball team saw their four game winning streak snapped Saturday night against the Whitworth Pirates, losing in three sets. 

How It Happened
The Bruins were tied in the first set through the six points, but the Pirates then went on an eight point run that featured four attacking errors by George Fox. Down 14-6, the Bruins scored four straight to bring the game to within five, but Whitworth extended their lead to eight once more following another run. The Bruins would eventually drop the set, 25-14 after never seeming to find their footing in the frame.

The second frame was the most competitive of the three, as Fox lost by just two points. The Bruins were playing from behind for the majority of the set, with their only leading coming at 2-0. GFU found themselves down by eight, 18-10, midway through the set, before they went on a tear. A Kaitlyn Johnson ace brought the score to within five, 16-20. The Bruins then dropped the next two points, putting them in a dangerous spot, losing by six with Whitworth close to finishing off the set. Fox responded, going on a 6-1 run, and finding themselves just one point of tying the Pirates. A ball handling error by the Bruins put them behind, 24-22, and on their final breath. Emily Blagg had a kill that brought the Bruins back within one. The Pirates finished the set off one point later though, ending the frame and putting the Bruins one set away from losing the game. 

With Fox on the brink, they came out firing, leading the Pirates, 8-6 early in the set. Whitworth came alive after that though, and took the lead back from the Bruins at 17-15. The Bruins tied the game at 17, but the Pirates went on a backbreaking run, scoring seven straight points to win the set, 25-17 and the game, three sets to none. 

Top Performances
Kassandra Staton had seven kills and two blocks. Piper Harrop led the team in digs with 13, while Kennedy Kibby was the top-assisting Bruin on the night with 11.

Coach's Thoughts
"We had an off match tonight," Bruin head coach Emily Davis, "Whitworth had great defense and made it really hard for us to put the ball away. I'm really proud of our serve receive and serving for improving a ton throughout the match. Looking forward to hopefully another match up."

What It Means
Fox falls to 13-6 (9-3 NWC), while rival Whitworth improves to 13-7 (10-2 NWC).

What Comes Next
The Bruins return to Newberg on Friday the 27th, playing Lewis & Clark at 7 pm.