NEWBERG, Ore. -- The George Fox women's volleyball team faced-off against Linfield University for their Senior Night; after a dominant first set from the Bruins, they unfortunately fell, 3-1, in a tough four-set battle. 

How It Happened
George Fox came out with fire for the first set of their senior night; Gracie Bearden especially made an impact on the court, earning two aces to give GFU an early lead. While Linfield was quick to respond with two points of their own, Jordan Hahn contributed a smashing kill to a Bruin streak to put them in the lead at 5-2. George Fox used their energy to go on a dominant six point run; what started with a strong block from Hahn turned into two crucial aces from Chloe Wiersma to make the score 11-4. 

The Wildcats tried to wrack up points of their own, but it didn't take long for the Lady Bruins to put up another six point run to make the score an impressive 18-7 lead and an 11 point difference. GFU used pressure to force multiple LU errors while simultaneously putting up kills — made by Bearden — as well as an ace from Isabella Avila. The rest of the set was filled with Lady Bruin kills; Lexi Baer, Allaire Gilder, Addison Goff, Mikaila Kronholm, and Hahn all contributed a kill for GFU's sweeping first set, 25-16. 

Once again, Bearden started things off for the Bruins — this time with a striking kill. Unlike the first set, however, Linfield wasn't going down without a battle; the 'Cats made the score 11-3, pulling away with an eight-point run. Even with the gap in the score, the Lady Bruins kept their fight; after a killer block from Gabriela Yepez Suarez and Hahn, GFU went on a seven-point run of their own to tie the set, 12-12. Avila contributed two aces, Gilder had a dominant solo block, and Bearden earned a kill. 

The back-and-forth continued over the net, neither team backing down. For George Fox, Gilder continued to put on an electrifying performance with yet another block followed by a kill. Not far behind her was Bearden and Goff, each putting up a kill to give George Fox the lead 16-14. After some Wildcat kills, Baer and Goff were there with one kill each to get the points back and maintain their lead, 19-18. Although GFU put up an incredible fight, Linfield was able to take the set, 25-21, after earning the last three points. 

Much like the second set, the third set was an unyielding battle; the Wildcats were the first to pull away and put up significant numbers. The Bruins should not be underestimated, and — in no time at all — they tied Linfield, 7-7. Gracie Bearden put up two kills and along with her was Hahn and Allaire with a kill each. Every time LU widened the gap, GFU was right there to answer back; Bearden and Gilder each put up points with kills which was followed by a solid block from Hannah Huffman and Hahn to make the total 16-14. 

George Fox continued to produce throughout the set despite the pressure Linfield brought to the court. Sophomore defensive specialist Laelie Rasmussen put up a solid kill — the first of her career — to ignite the Bruin bench and help the Bruins inch closer. Baer contributed two more kills along with a kill from Goff before the Wildcats earned the final point to win the set in a close 25-22 affair. 

GFU made an adjustment in the fourth set to take the initial lead (3-2) from a powerful kill from Baer and a Gilder ace. Baer continued to be a force to be reckoned with and — alongside her — Hahn recorded two kills to help the Bruins maintain their lead, 6-4. George Fox used their energy to pull away and go on a five point streak, 11-5; Bearden had two kills and Gilder not only had a kill of her own, but also put up a powerful block aside Huffman. It didn't take long for Baer to make another appearance with a kill as well as building a wall with Gilder assisting her for a block. While the Bruins had a substantial 14-7 lead, the Wildcats were able to quietly sneak their way back into the game. It wasn't until kills from Bearden and Baer that the 'Cats went on a seven point run to take the lead, 22-19. The last points of the game had everybody on the edge of their seats as tensions in the gym were high. Bearden swept in for a Lady Bruin kill, but the Wildcats were unfazed. Linfield won the set 25-21 with a final finishing kill. 

At the end of the night, seniors Allaire Gilder, Mikaila Kronholm, and Lexi Baer were honored for their years of playing at George Fox. The three had incredible careers at GFU and will be missed next season, but they will always be Bruins at heart. 

Top Performances
Gracie Bearden led the Bruins in kills with 11, had 10 digs, and two aces. Behind Bearden in kills was senior Lexi Baer with nine as well as senior Allaire Gilder, sophomore Jordan Hahn, and freshman Addison Goff with five apiece. Gilder also had one solo block and three block assists. Isabella Avila not only led George Fox in aces with three, but also in digs with 18; right behind her was Goff with 11. Senior Mikaila Kronholm was GFU's main setter and had 13 assists along with 10 digs. Behind Kronholm in assists was Chloe Weirsma; she had 12 assists and two aces. 

Coach's Thoughts
"I'm so grateful for our seniors hard work and commitment," Bruin head coach Emily Davis said," it was a special night. Despite the loss I'm proud of our team for never backing down and playing united until the end."

What It Means
Linfield advances to 8-12 (6-9 NWC), and George Fox finishes the season with a 7-15 (4-12 NWC) record. 

What Happens Next
Friday was the Lady Bruins' final game of the 2025 season. They will be taking a break before getting back to work in the offseason for the 2026 season.