NEWBERG, Ore. — Hamline University faced a challenging start to the Oregon Trail Classic, losing both matches on Friday. The Pipers first fell to George Fox 3-1, with set scores of 18-25, 21-25, 25-22, 22-25, and then lost to Willamette 3-1, with set scores of 26-24, 23-25, 13-25, 26-28. Hamline is now 0-2 overall in the tournament, while George Fox improves to 1-0 and Willamette moves to 1-1.
In the match against George Fox, the Pipers struggled initially, losing the first set 25-18 despite a strong effort that included 11 kills, two blocks, and one service ace.
Sophia Johnson led the team with four kills, while
Cameryn Sand contributed eight assists. The second set saw George Fox dominate with 18 kills to Hamline's six, leading to a 25-21 loss for the Pipers. Johnson managed three kills in this set as well.
Hamline rebounded in the third set, taking it 25-22 after a pivotal 12-12 tie, where they scored six straight points, including contributions from
Lydia Graham and
Claire Siems. However, despite holding a 13-8 edge in kills in the fourth set, the Pipers fell again 25-22, with George Fox capitalizing on four attack errors by Hamline. Johnson finished the match with 14 kills and 15.0 points, supported by Cairns' 13 kills and Sand's 31 assists.
Against Willamette, the Pipers started strong, winning the opening set 26-24 after overcoming a 5-0 deficit.
Nora Cairns led the charge with six kills, while Sand added 12 assists and two service aces. However, they fell short in the second set, losing 25-23 despite recording 15 kills, with contributions from Graham, Johnson, and Norberg.
The third set was challenging, as Hamline managed only 13 points while Willamette closed on an 8-0 run to take the set 25-13. The Pipers saw
Quincy Asmus and Norberg lead in kills, but it wasn't enough to stave off defeat. The fourth set was a nail-biter, with Hamline pushing to 28-26 before ultimately losing. Notable performances included Norberg's 12 kills and Sand's 43 assists, while
Ava Montanez led the defense with 21 digs.
The Pipers will look to regroup as they continue their participation in the Oregon Trail Classic.
