NEWBERG, Ore. - Coming into today's contest against Willamette University on the back of two hard-fought losses the day prior, Multnomah had nothing to lose as they prepared for another battle with an NCAA DIII opponent.
Both teams entered today's contest 0-2, with Willamette falling to both Pacific Union College and Bushnell the day prior. Multnomah (0-3, 0-0 CCC) started the game on the front foot, and looked the stronger of the two sides through the first two sets, but it would not be enough as the Bearcats managed to fight their way back to win 3-2 against the Lions.
"This one hurts," shared Head Coach Nerisa Laban. "The girls played their hearts out, and they showed that they have the ability to compete with anyone. I think we're a bit unlucky to not be walking away this afternoon with a win, but we're already shifting our focus to George Fox and ending this weekend on a high note."
Multnomah looked their strongest in Set 1, as they led through the first 19 points before Willamette managed to tie things up. Jade Iloa led the way for the Lions offensively in the first set, with Lauren Porter & Kailey Shirley helping out on the defensive side of the ball, helping to navigate Multnomah to a 25-23 win.
Willamette came out stronger in the second set, leading through the first 22 points. However, Multnomah managed to pull themselves level, before finally completing the comeback to win the set 26-24. Porter continued to be dominant on defense for the Lions, tallying 9 digs through the first two sets.
The Bearcats started the third set just as they'd started the second, except this time they didn't let their foot off the gas pedal for one second. Willamette maintained the lead through the duration of Set 3, outpacing the Lions offensively thanks to a double-double to close out the third set from Olivia Cadien. Willamette would go on to win the set 25-13, but they weren't done yet.
Set 4 was much more evenly contested in the early stages, with both teams chipping away at each other through the first 16 points. However, Willamette was able to pull away and inevitably win the fourth set with a score of 25-16, thanks mostly in part to Leina Chu, who managed to dish out 35 assists through four sets.
The final set was a back and forth affair, with each team giving their all to find the advantage. Just as it looked as though Multnomah would pull through, Willamette turned things around and put the game to bed, winning the fifth set 16-14.
Freshman Zoe Schuele had an impressive afternoon for the Lions, nearly recording her first double-double of the season with 21 assists and eight digs. Porter finished with seven assists and 17 digs of her own, with Iloa and Sydney Priebe leading the line for Multnomah with 24 kills between the two.
Multnomah has a chance to redeem themselves with a win later tonight against George Fox University at 6:00 pm in their last preseason game before the conference season kicks off next weekend.
