Newberg, OR - Willamette Volleyball split their matches on the final day of the Oregon Trail Classic, rallying to defeat Multnomah University (23-25, 24-26, 25-13, 25-16, 16-14) and falling to Mary Hardin-Baylor (25-18, 24-26, 26-24, 25-16).  

The first match saw the Bearcats lose two close sets to the start match and then rally to win the next two sets convincingly.  The final set saw the Bearcats take an early 4- 0 lead, trail 13-11 after a strong Multnomah run, and rally to pull out the victory and complete the comeback.

Willamette used a balanced attack as three Bearcats recorded double-digit kills, Olivia Cadien (15), Katey Cramer (12), and Caroline Jameson (10).  First-year Leina Chu led the way with 41 assists.

The second match of the day was another back-and-forth affair with Mary Hardin-Baylor taking the first set and the Bearcats responding to take set two by a score of 26-24.  The Crusaders switched that score to win set three at 26-24 and closed out the match in set four, 25-16.

Cramer (15) and Cadien (10) led the way again for Willamette in kills and Chu added another 32 assists.  First-year Dream Takemoto led the Bearcats with 20 digs, followed by Cadien with 15 and Cramer with 10.

Willamette will travel to East Texas Baptist University next weekend for four more matches.  Their first match will be vs Hendrix College on Friday, September 6th, at 11:00 am.