MCMINNVILLE, Ore. -- Whitworth battled 10th-ranked Linfield in every game, but fell short of beating the host Wildcats in a 30-26, 30-23, 30-21 Northwest Conference Volleyball loss on Friday night.

Complete box and play by play.

Angie Florence led all players with 12 kills, while Nikki Bardwell and Holly Tomlin each added 10 kills for the Pirates, who fell to 1-10 overall and 0-1 in the NWC. Cassie Moore had 18 digs.

Katelyn Baker led the Wildcats (8-0 overall, 1-0 NWC) with 10 kills.

The first game was close throughout, but the Pirates last tied the match at 18-18 before the Wildcats took a lead they wouldn't give up. Lauren Krieger ended the game with a kill. Linfield led the second game 9-1 before Whitworth came back to tie the game 13-13 after four straight Wildcat attack errors. But Linfield regrouped and won the game.

Whitworth trailed 14-6 in the third game before the Pirates rallied to within 20-16 on a kill by Nicole Vander Meulen. Whitworth was still within 25-21 before Linfield rallied to score the last five points.

Whitworth will play twice on Saturday. The Pirates will take on La Verne at noon in a match played at Willamette. Whitworth will then play Willamette at 6:00 pm. Linfield will host Whitman.