KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Walla Walla University Women's Volleyball battled back from an early deficit but fell to Oregon Tech 25-18, 25-17, 26-28, 25-21 Friday at Danny Miles Court in Klamath Falls.
The Wolves (0-4, 0-2 CCC) struggled to find their rhythm through the opening two sets as the Owls (7-2, 1-0 CCC) took a 2-0 lead. Walla Walla responded in the third set, overcoming a late Oregon Tech run to extend the match before the Owls closed out the fourth set.
Sahara Browning led the Wolves with 13 kills, including six in the third set, while Alina Shawgo added 10 kills. Olivia Cheek recorded 27 assists and 14 digs, and Walla Walla finished with six blocks as a team.
Oregon Tech controlled the opening set, building an 18-12 lead before taking the set 25-18. The Owls carried the momentum into the second set, taking advantage of five Walla Walla errors during an eight-point stretch to build a 17-11 advantage and win 25-17.
The Wolves responded in the third set behind Browning, who recorded six kills. Walla Walla built a 24-20 lead and was one point from extending the match.
Oregon Tech answered with five consecutive points to take a 25-24 lead, but the Wolves responded. Bianca Adams recorded a kill before Browning put away two more attacks to give Walla Walla a 28-26 victory and force a fourth set.
Walla Walla carried its momentum into the fourth set, taking an early 7-4 lead. Oregon Tech responded with a 9-2 run to take a 13-9 advantage. The Wolves continued to battle, but the Owls maintained their lead and closed out the set 25-21 to win the match.
"We got off to a slow start again, but turned it around in the third," Head Coach Don Hepker said. "Unfortunately, back-to-back days with five-set games took its toll, and we ran out of gas. The team never gave up, just ran out of energy."
The Wolves return home to host their home opener against Lewis-Clark State College on Sept. 6 at 6 p.m.
