By Sara Brooks, Assistant Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6219

FOREST GROVE, ORE. -- Willamette University was defeated in straight sets by Linfield College, 25-15, 25-22, 25-23, on Saturday, Sept. 5, during the first day of the Boxer Kickoff Invitational hosted by Pacific University. The Bearcats rebounded in the final set to come within 24-23 before the match ended on an attacking error.

WU was led by Jessie McGraw (OH, Gaston, OR/Corban College) who recorded 12 kills. Brigit Miller (Fr., S, Olympia, WA/Olympia HS) added 12 digs and 25 assists. Molly Blankenship (Jr., OH, Spokane, WA/Spokane CC) and Madisyn Leenstra (Fr., OH, Bellingham, WA/Sehome HS) each recorded seven blocks. The Bearcats finished the match with 11.5 team total blocks while earning 23 block assists.

Linfield hit .267 in the opening set and .094 for the match. Katie Leavitt led Linfield with nine kills. Emily Vuylsteke added seven kills. Stephanie Purser registered 25 assists, while Tara Hill and Samantha Lou achieved 11 digs apiece.

Willamette moves to 1-1 on the season, while Linfield is 1-0. The Bearcats will take on Schreiner College at 6 p.m. (PDT) Saturday in Forest Grove, Ore