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

FOREST GROVE, ORE. -- Jessie McGraw (OH, Gaston, OR/Corban College) led Willamette University with 16 kills, but it was not enough for the Bearcats to overcome Schreiner University (Texas) at the Boxer Kickoff Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 5 at Pacific University. WU fell to Schreiner in straight sets, 25-21, 25-23 and 25-19.

Kathy Lee Glenn (Fr., Libero, Murrieta, CA/Vista Murrieta HS) added nine digs and Brigit Miller (Fr., S, Olympia, WA/Olympia HS) added 33 assists for Willamette. The Bearcats hit .194 for the match compared to Schreiner's .184.

Schreiner had the lead from the start in the first set and held off a late charge by Willamette. The Mountaineers earned three serving aces and took advantage of four serving errors by Willamette to win the set.

The Bearcats were able to keep it close in the second set before Schreiner took the lead at 19-18 and never looked back. Schreiner increased its lead to 24-20, but WU won three consecutive rallies to pull within 24-23. Jordan Milberger registered the final point of the set on a kill for Schreiner.

The Mountaineers never trailed the Bearcats during the final set. Willamette tied the score at 10-10 on a kill by McGraw, but Schreiner answered with a 7-2 run to take command.

Caitlin Gayle, Chantal Beaudoin and Misty Fletcher tied for Schreiner's team lead with seven kills apiece. Brittany Alvillar achieved 16 digs for the Mountaineers. Audra Burnap provided 16 assists and Lauren Tharp recorded 11 assists.

During the match, Schreiner claimed nine serving aces and committed five serving errors. Willamette finished with two aces and 10 serving errors.

Schreiner improved to 2-4 on the season while Willamette dropped to 1-2. The Bearcats will take on Central (Iowa) at 9 a.m. (PDT) Sunday, as the Boxer Kickoff Invitational continues in Forest Grove, Ore. Willamette will conclude the tournament by taking on Wartburg College (Iowa) at 3:45 p.m.