TACOMA, Wash. -- The George Fox women's volleyball team competed against Pacific Lutheran in a tough four-set loss, 1-3. 

How It Happened
George Fox began the first set swinging, earning two points from kills by Gracie Bearden and Allaire Gilder. The Lutes were quick to show they can compete too as they racked up four points of their own, 2-4. After another point for the Bruins, Pacific Lutheran went on a six point run to lengthen the gap in the score, 3-10. After a strategic timeout called by GFU, the Lady Bruins were soon back on the court and battling to lessen the gap. An energy shift happened after Jenna Knibbs earned back-to-back aces to make the score 8-11. George Fox continued to quietly rack up their points; kills made by Jordan Hahn, Lexi Baer, Gilder, and Bearden not only helped GFU gain points, but also put pressure on PLU. The Lutes were forced to take a timeout after making several errors, 17-18. The timeout proved to be beneficial for Pacific Lutheran as they once again lengthened the gap in the score, and won the set, 18-25.

The second set started with a solid Bruin point from a kill by Baer. While the Lutes gained two points, they also made many errors that GFU took to their advantage. With a kill from Gilder, George Fox ended a lengthy six point streak to make the score 7-2. After a PLU timeout, the Lutes tried to inch their way back, but the damage was done. George Fox continued to gain more points by kills from Mikaila Kronholm, Baer, Gilder, and Hahn, while also improving their score through aces from Chloe Wiersma and Gilder, 18-15. The rest of the set the Bruins played tough defense and took advantage of the Lutes errors, who – despite a timeout – couldn't come back leading to a George Fox win, 25-19.

Pacific Lutheran did a 180 from the last set, and gained the first four points of the third set; the Bruins were able to score after, from a kill by Baer and an incredible block from Baer and Hahn, 2-4. PLU went on a four point run and didn't back down when GFU tried to retaliate, 4-9. After a block by Knibbs and Hahn, the Lutes went on another four point run, 4-13. Eventually, George Fox took a time out, but when they came back, they attacked aggressively; Baer, Hahn, Knibbs, and Bearden – along with an ace from Knibbs – helped the Bruins gain points of their own, 14-20. Despite the GFU's formidable defense, PLU held their ground and won the set, 16-25. 

The fourth set began similarly to the third: Pacific Lutheran gained the advantage by scoring three points and George Fox worked to score some points of their own. Bearden and Allaire had some smashing kills to assist the Bruins in their battle against the Lutes, 3-4. Both teams went back-and-forth over the net, each trying to pull away, but it wasn't until after an ace from Allaire that PLU took matters into their own hands. The Lutes went on a six point run to make the score 9-20. They continued to score, and – despite the Bruin's best attempts – pulled away with the set win, 12-25. 

Top Performances
The Bruins had a three-way tie for kills leader with Allaire Gilder, Lexi Baer, and Gracie Bearden each having six. Mikaila Kronholm was GFU's primary setter for this game with 15 assists and Chloe Wiersma following with seven. As for aces, Jenna Knibbs led the team with three, Gilder had two, and Wiersma also had one. Lexi Baer had a solo block along with three block assists while Jordan Hahn also contributed three block assists. Knibbs and Bearden led the team with 16 digs each. 

Coach's Thoughts
We had a great serving match tonight, but we need to get back to work this week in practice," Bruin head coach Emily Davis said, "I'm grateful we have a lot of season left to get where we want to be."

What It Means
GFU is now 3-6 (0-3 NWC), while Pacific Lutheran climbs to 4-5 (2-0 NWC). 

What Happens Next
George Fox will play next against Lewis and Clark College (0-8, 0-1 NWC) on Saturday, September 27. The game is scheduled to start at 6:00 pm.