McMINNVILLE, Ore. - Pacific opened the Northwest Conference volleyball season in heartbreaking fashion, falling in a hard fought five-sets to Linfield on Wednesday night at the Ted Wilson Gymnasium.

The home Wildcats took the tense encounter 25-20, 20-25, 25-8, 23-25, and 15-12. It was the league opener for both teams. Linfield improved to 3-6 on the season and Pacific fell to 1-6.

The visitors jumped to an early lead in the deciding fifth set, but in what was typical of the back and forth match, the home team came roaring back. The Wildcats took a 9-8 lead and then scored four of the next five points to seemingly have the match at hand (13-9)--only to see the Boxers score three consecutive points to pull to within one counter (13-12).

But Linfield scored the final two points of the night to the home crowd into celebration. With the win, the Wildcats snapped a five-match losing streak in front of 100 fans.

Tiare Kaopua had 13 kills and Marie Rewick added 11 kills and 14 digs for the Boxers. Karissa Komo led the defense with 24 digs.

Up next for the Boxers is a Saturday night encounter at Lewis & Clark in Portland ( 7 p.m.).