Women's Volleyball: Linfield Season in Review

The 'Cats were 14-2 in NWC play, capturing a share of their second league crown in three seasons.

Linfield's Lauren Kreiger. Photo: Linfield Athletics

McMINNVILLE - With two returning Northwest Conference all-stars and a cast of solid role players, the table was set for one of the most accomplished seasons in Linfield volleyball history.

Coach Shane Kimura's Wildcats reached the NCAA Division III West Region semifinals for the second straight year and finished with a 22-3 overall record, the highest winning percentage of any team in program history.

Linfield enjoyed its highest-ever national ranking, soaring to No. 6 in the nation before settling to 14th in the final AVCA/CSTV regular-season poll.

The march to the playoffs began in September when the Wildcats reeled off 13 straight victories, setting a school record for most consecutive wins.

The streak ended in a 3-2 home loss to Pacific Lutheran, a team the Wildcats eventually shared the title with.

The only other regular-season setback occurred in October, a 3-0 road loss at the hands of a scrappy Whitman team.

“Throughout the year, we came away with some tough wins,” said Kimura, reflecting on the season. “Our kids showed a lot of heart.

There were some important matches in the middle part of the season that we came from behind in the fourth and fifth games to win.”

At the seven-team West Region playoffs in La Verne, Calif., the Wildcats continued their winning ways with a 3-0 sweep of Colorado College in the first round.

The following night, Linfield's season came to a sudden end after the Wildcats ran into a red-hot Redlands team, which extended its 10-match winning string with a 3-0 sweep.

Three seniors were instrumental in shaping the record-setting season. Setter Chelsey Gellatly was clearly the NWC's finest setter, passing out 942 assists while adding 243 digs and 95 kills.

Middle blocker Lauren Kreiger was the primary recipient of Gellatly's passes, pounding 313 kills and adding 80 blocks.

Defensive specialist Michelle Wyatt, a four-year letterwinner, was steady all season in the back row, accounting for 314 digs.

Outside hitter Katelyn Baker became an emerging force and one of the Wildcats' go-to players. Baker was second behind Kreiger in kills with 252.

Libero Hannah Veley was Linfield's top server and ranked second in total digs. Both Baker and Veley received honorable mention by coaches in NWC all-star balloting.

Other important contributors included outside hitter Kelsey French, who was third on the team in kills (209), and middle blocker Molly Taylor was who totaled 153 kills and 40 blocks. Freshman right-side hitter Emily Vuylsteke contributed regularly with 157 kills and 38 blocks.

“Our three seniors did a nice job leading the team,” said Kimura, when asked about the team’s strong chemistry. “And the younger players who did not get to play a lot this year helped make their teammates better by practicing hard.”

At season's end, Gellatly and Kreiger each were accorded first team all-Northwest Conference honors. The two team captains were also voted first team West Region all-stars. Third team All-America recognition went to Gellatly, while Kreiger garnered honorable mention All-America acclaim.

“This group always came ready to practice,” said Kimura. “They worked hard in practice from Day 1. That work ethic came from the upperclassmen and the younger players followed their example.”

In his 29th season, Kimura reached yet another milestone, collecting career win No. 550 with the playoff victory over Colorado College.

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