PORTLAND, Ore. -- Preparing for the Northwest Conference was the reason why Lewis & Clark was excited about its rigorous non-conference schedule, and following a first set loss to George Fox in the Northwest Conference opener, the lessons learned showed through, as the Pioneers won the next three sets to win the match, 21-25, 25-11, 25-15, 25-23 on Friday night at Pamplin Sports Center. 

With the win, Lewis & Clark starts 1-0 in the conference and snaps a three-game losing streak.

"Our out-of-conference schedule was good for us to learn how to play tough against top-level competition," said Lewis & Clark head coach Stacie Matz-Gordon. "After we lost the first set tonight, I felt like our team really showed some perseverance to win those next three sets."

The Pioneers were led by junior Maeleen Hopeau's 13 kills, a new Lewis & Clark career high for her, eclipsing her previous mark of seven. Overall, Lewis & Clark had three players with double-digit kills, as Julia Somers put up 13 as well and Ali Carleton had 11. Kortney Meyer had five aces in the game as well. 

Somers also led the Pios in digs with 24, one more than teammate Alex Navarro. Mikayla Lopez was match-best with 29 assists and Emily Drake had 19. 

George Fox was led by Delaney Cruz's 11 kills, Payton Shrum's 28 assists and Kelsea Meyers' 18 digs. Meyers also had five aces. 

In preparation for the season, Lewis & Clark started 4-1, with the only loss coming in five sets.

After that, though, the caliber of opponent was significantly raised, as the Pios lost to Division II Western Oregon, AVCA preseason top 25 Trinity and Texas-Dallas, which was in the poll's receiving votes category last week. 

"It was important for us to get off on the right foot for conference play," said Matz-Gordon. "It's nice to get the victory with such a strong team effort."

The home game was refreshing for the Pios, as the team had played on the road or at neutral sites since beating Clark College in straight sets to open the season on Sept. 1. 

Playing at Pamplin will continue too, as the Pios host Pacific tomorrow night at 7 p.m. before returning for a home match with Pacific Lutheran next Friday.

Other NWC Scores - Friday

Puget Sound 3, Whitman 0
Whitworth 3, Pacific Lutheran 0
Willamette 3, Linfield 1

Saturday Games

Whitman at Pacific Lutheran - 5 p.m.
Whitworth at Puget Sound - 6 p.m.
Pacific (Ore.) at Lewis & Clark - 7 p.m.
New Hope Christian at Linfield - 7 p.m.
Willamette at George Fox - 7 p.m.