NEWBERG, Ore. --  Despite a strong offensive effort, the George Fox women's volleyball team lost to the Puget Sound Loggers at home in an explosive matchup, 3-1. 

How It Happened
George Fox jumped out of the gate in the first set, going on a five point run that included three service aces to jump out to an early lead, 6-1. From there, the two teams traded blows for the remainder of the first set until the game was tied up, 24-24. Several late attack errors proved costly for Fox, who eventually dropped the set, 27-25.
 
The second set was just as nail-biting as the first as both teams seemed to have equal offensive momentum. The Bruins jumped out to another early lead, 5-1, after a kill from Lexi Baer was followed by a service ace by Kennedy Kibby. The Loggers refused to go down easily, however, fighting back to stay within one point for most of the set. The Bruins took the momentum late in the game  — going on a four point run punctuated by a kill by Jordan Hahn to clinch the set, 25-21.

The third set opened in thrilling fashion yet again, with both teams going blow for blow to tie the set partway through, 10-10. Both teams had several highlight kills — including a Taylor DeKoning kill that rocketed into a Logger defender and sent the crowd into a frenzy — but neither was able to string together more than a two point run until late in the set when Puget Sound scored six straight points to take the lead, 22-18. Fox retaliated instantly, though, forcing three straight attack errors to get back within one point. The Bruins were able to tie the set with a service error before two straight points by the Loggers saw them drop the set, 25-23.

The two teams continued to trade points back and forth early in the fourth set, before a seven-point run by the Loggers put Fox well behind, 19-11. Puget Sound continued to apply offensive pressure to go up 24-14, before the Bruins began to fight back with a kill by Lexi Baer and an ace by Kennedy Kibby. It wouldn't be enough, however, as the Loggers were able to put the set away, 25-16, to clinch the win.

Top Performers
Allaire Gilder and Jordan Hahn led the way on offense for the Bruins with 10 kills each, while Addison Coulter recorded 23 assists in another solid performance. On defense, Piper Hilgaertner recorded 19 digs, while Lexi Baer finished with four blocks on the day.        

Coach's Thoughts
"We did some really good things tonight against a great team, but unfortunately we didn't do the little things we needed to and couldn't stay with them," Bruin head coach Emily Davis said, "I'm looking forward to playing them again at their place, and for tomorrow's match against PLU."

What It Means
The Bruins fall to 7-7 overall (3-2 NWC) while the Loggers improve to 7-6 (4-1 NWC).      

What Happens Next
The Bruins will return to the court for another home matchup on Saturday, October 5th, against one of the top teams in the NWC in Pacific Lutheran (10-4, 5-0 NWC). The game is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.