PORTLAND, Ore.---The Pilots surged back to win set number three from Gonzaga, but in the end the Bulldogs came out on top 3-1 in a West Coast Conference volleyball match held at the Chiles Center on Saturday afternoon. Gonzaga claimed the win with set scores of 28-26, 25-18, 18-25, and 25-20.

Sophomore Jayde Harris led all scorers with a game-high 16 kills, notching a new season high for the outside hitter. Two Pilots registered double-doubles in the match—Mia Wesley finished with 13 kills and 10 digs, while setter Kellie Hughes contributed 22 assists and 12 digs for the home side. Carey Williams also pitched in 23 digs for Portland, and Noelani Helm produced another solid all-around performance with five kills, 12 assists, three blocks, and an ace. The sophomore just missed out on a double-double with 9 digs.

Gonzaga (6-11, 6-11 WCC) jumped out to an 11-4 lead to open the first frame, but the Pilots (2-13, 2-13 WCC) would rally back with an 8-0 run including two scores each from Harris and Helm to tie the set at 13s. Both sides traded three-point runs to level it once more at 16-16, but the Zags managed to reclaim the lead shortly after. Wesley then produced two attacks for Portland for an even score at 21-21, and the Pilots earned the first set point opportunity moments later off of two Bulldog errors, although Gonzaga eventually came back from a two-point deficit to secure the first set win.

Set two began evenly matched as both teams traded points, but it was the Bulldogs finding the first significant lead at 11-8. A 4-0 GU run prompted the Pilots to call a timeout, and Gonzaga would hold on to the cushion to go ahead 2-0 on the match.

Set three began much the same as the second, with the score evening out at 9-9, until a 9-1 Portland run fueled by four different Pilot hitters and two blocks assisted by Chelsey Harmon handed the home team an eight-point lead. The Pilots dominated throughout and extended their gap to as many as nine at 23-14, with Harris sealing the set for Portland to bring the game to 2-1 overall.

Gonzaga managed to swing the momentum in the fourth set by building a five-point edge at 17-12, which they would use to hold on for the win.

"It was another WCC battle today" said head coach Megan Burton. "We had good moments today but Gonzaga served tough and got us into serve receive and attacking ruts throughout the match. Tomorrow we need to play consistently good volleyball over time, continue to take care of our side of the net and win the serve and pass battle."

"We're ready to bounce back and play our game tomorrow for senior day," said Burton. "I'm excited to honor our three amazing senior tomorrow. Kellie, Carey, and Liz are the heart of this Pilot program and I know they'll come out tomorrow ready to battle for their last match in Chiles. Go Pilots!"

The Pilots will host Gonzaga again tomorrow for the final installment of the regular season, set to begin 12 p.m. Portland will honor this year's three seniors, Kellie Hughes, Liz Reich, and Carey Williams with a post-match ceremony following the completion of the game.