On Wednesday night, the last two undefeated volleyball programs in the NWAC met for a highly anticipated league matchup.
Hosts Linn-Benton got the better of visitors Clackamas, winning in straight sets by a score of 25-22, 25-16, 25-23. The result improved the Roadrunners’ overall record to 15-0 on the season and handed the Cougars their first loss, leaving them at 5-1 overall.
Sophomore Brooklyn Willard led the Beaks with 10 kills, 11 total points, and 14 digs. Sophomores Kinsey Brelage (14 digs) and Rowan Reilly (10 points) were also big contributors.
Linn-Benton and Clackamas entered the game inside the top 10 of the latest NWAC volleyball coaches poll, with the Roadrunners taking the top spot and the Cougars in ninth.
During the week before their matchup, both schools had concluded their respective preseasons at the NWAC Crossover Tournament in Lynnwood, WA. Linn-Benton and Clackamas left the eight-team cross-region tournament as the only two teams without a defeat.
Wednesday’s matchup marked the first league game for each team. While Clackamas had hoped for an upset, their effort went unrewarded. Linn-Benton extended its conference-best winning streak to 70 matches and notched its tenth consecutive victory without dropping a set.
The Roadrunners will look to carry their fine form throughout the rest of league play as their hunt for a fourth straight NWAC title continues. Linn-Benton gets back into action tonight, Sept. 20, at 6 p.m. with a road match against Chemeketa. Following the game, the Roadrunners will get several days of well-earned rest before taking on Mt. Hood at home on Sept. 25 at 6 p.m.
