SALEM, Ore. - Willamette's Northwest Conference leading Bearcats kept Pacific at arms length during a three set sweep of the visiting Boxers, 25-19, 25-21, and 25-19.

The victory improved Willamette's mark to 3-0 in conference play and to 7-4 overall. They are tied for the top spot in the NWC with Whitworth. Pacific dropped to 2-8 on the year and to 0-3 in league action.

Pacific stayed within shouting distance all night long but in each case, the Bearcats went on a run at the Cone Field House in front of 275 fans to pull away. The Boxers led 12-11 in the first set before the hosts pulled away and PU also had short leads in each of the other two sets.

Ciara Smith led Pacific and all players with 11 kills and Marie Rewick added nine put aways. Karissa Komo led the defense with 20 digs.

The Boxers will have a chance to put this one behind them less than 24 hours from now when they host Pacific Luthern on Saturday night at the Stoller Center. Start time is 7 p.m.