MCMINNVILLE, Ore. – Despite a quick start, the Multnomah University volleyball team couldn't hang on to win against NCAA DIII Linfield College, losing in four sets on road on Thursday night.
 
The Lions (3-3, 0-1 CCC) took the first set from the Wildcats but ran out of offense in the end losing 25-20, 17-25, 17-25, and 25-27.
 
How it Happened: MU opened the first set jumping out to a 5-1 lead. Linfield battled back, bringing the score to 15-14 but a 6-2 run by the Lions followed by three straight points to end the set, gave the visitors the early advantage.
 
Set number two fell to the Wildcats as they strung together three straight points on five different occasions during the set. The third set saw much of the same thing for the Lions as the defense allowed Linfield to earn back to back points throughout. MU struggled offensively in the second and third set, totaling 16 attacking errors during that stretch.
 
With the match on the line, MU tried to extend the night, constructing a 20-14 lead in the fourth set. Avoiding a fifth set, the Wildcats' offense came back to life, producing a 7-0 run to take the lead back. Tied 25-25, Linfield used two straight kills to close out the night.
 
By the Numbers: Freshman setter Rachel Woodcock had her first break out game for the Lions, recording a match high 27 assists. Maile Kam continued to be a leader for the offense, recording 12 kills along with junior Patty Batoon who also finished with 12 kills.
 
Senior Kiana Miller had her best performance for the Lions, recording 20 digs and adding three aces on the night.
 
Coming up Next: The Lions will return to Cascade Conference action on Friday night as they head to Evergreen State on Friday followed by a match with Northwest on Saturday.