NEWBERG, Ore. -- The George Fox women's volleyball team stayed at their home court to face the Pacific Boxers, continuing NWC play.

How It Happened
The first set began slow for the Bruins as Pacific took the first few points, but only until Taylor Dekoning dealt a kill, tying the score 3-3. After that, Fox took the lead with a four-point run, leaving the Boxers in the dust. On a kill by Addison Roberston, Pacific tried to keep up, juggling points back and forth, but Fox managed to stay in a strong lead. Fox locked in another four-point run with two kills by Gracie Bearden and a service ace by Addison Hawes. With seven points ahead, Robertson attacked the Boxers with a kill—making the score 15-22. The Bruins stayed far ahead with a smashing win, and final kill by Breanna Babcock—18-25.

The Bruins had a contrasting start to the second set as the Boxers took them by surprise with a powerful lead. Fox eventually got back on their feet, and shortly tied the score with a kill from Bearden–-11-11. The kills were back and forth between the two teams for the majority of the remaining game until Deckoning made a kill, pulling the score ahead of the Boxers. Babcock secured a kill at the very end of the game, and Robertson finished off the game clean with a kill—the final score a close 23-25.

In the third set, each team started strong, but Fox was stronger, and pulled ahead with another four-point run—one kill each by Allaire Gilder and Bearden. The Boxers gave a hearty attempt to measure up, but Gilder kept them in their place with another kill at 4-7. The Bruins continued to make unassailable progress, securing a nine-point lead at 6-15. Bearden and Gilder made kill after kill as Pacific struggled to keep up, only until they suddenly managed to gain ground. Eventually, the set went into overtime and the Boxers won 27-25.

Set four was set into motion with a kill by Bearden right off the bat. The two teams were neck and neck for a while though the Boxers gained advantage for the majority of the set. With a kill by Robertson, the scores were tied 20-20, and the Bruins launched off from there, with kills by Dekoning and Gilder. The last kill was made by Bearden again, winning the final set 24-26.

Top Performances
Gracie Bearden led the team with 15 kills and 14 digs for the day. Allaire Gilder finished off the game with 12 kills and a high hitting percentage of .300. Piper Hilgaertner had 30 digs, and Addison Robertson had 11 kills with three digs. 

Coach's Thoughts
"It was really nice to get out middles scoring," said Head Coach Emily Davis. "We had to work together as a team to win tonight, and I'm proud of our serve receive and tough serving. Addie Robertson had a great night on the outside, and implemented our scouting report really well." 

What It Means
The Bruins improved to 3-1 in conference play and are 7-6 overall for the year. The Boxers fall to 7-4 (2-1 NWC). 

What Comes Next
GFU will stay at the Wheeler Sports Center for a game at home against Puget Sound on Friday, Oct. 4th, at 7 pm.