Willamette Registers Thrilling 3-2 Win at Pacific in Final Match of Season

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

FOREST GROVE, Ore. -- Willamette University edge Pacific University, 3-2, in a Northwest Conference volleyball match at the Stoller Center on Saturday, Nov. 9, as the Bearcats produced 10 service aces and 14.0 team total blocks in a 20-25, 25-15, 27-25, 24-26, 15-12 victory over the Boxers. Willamette completed its season at 9-16 overall and 8-8 in the NWC.

The Bearcats won their final three matches and went 5-3 over the last eight matches of the year. Pacific dropped to 17-9 overall, 10-6 in the NWC.

Jennifer Lane (Sr., MH, Salinas, CA/Notre Dame HS) topped Willamette with 17 kills and nine total blocks, including five solo blocks. Natalie Klotz (So., OH/OPP, Bonner Springs, KS/Bonner Springs HS) registered 15 kills, while Dani Queja (Fy., OH, Ewa Beach, HI/Maryknoll School) provided 13 kills and 22 digs. Steele Jasa (Fy., S/DS, Bend, OR/Summit HS) led all players with five service aces.

"What a way to end the season. Steele Jasa had some amazing and timely serves. She gave us great momentum and that edge we needed. It was just a hard fought match. Our team became so resilient and was just so tough ... lots of grit!"
— Willamette Head Coach Tom Shoji

Karlee Duncan earned a match-high 20 kills for Pacific. Teammate Jordan Zweifel tacked on 19 kills.

An extended story will be posted later.