SPOKANE, Wash.  – Freshman Kayla Afoa recorded a career-high nine kills Saturday afternoon as the Nevada Wolf Pack (2-4) fell to the Gonzaga Bulldogs (2-3) in three sets (25-16, 25-18, 25-20).
 
Afoa earned her first start of the season and of her career, putting up nine kills and five digs. In a well-balanced offensive approach, sophomore Shayla Hoeft recorded seven kills and junior Peighton De Von and freshman Sam Hayward put down six. Hoeft was named to the all-tournament team, averaging 11 kills per match over the three contests.

While set one started close, both teams tied up at 4-4, the Bulldogs ran away with the frame, taking it 25-16. Freshman McKayla Wuensch made her Wolf Pack debut in the set.
 
Nevada kept it much closer for much longer in the second set. After Gonzaga took an early lead and held it for several points, an ace from sophomore Jamila Minor tied it up at nine a piece. Gonzaga then went on a 6-2 run, forcing a Nevada timeout with the Pack down 15-11. Nevada wasn't able to catch back up, falling 25-18.
 
Nevada was the one who came out with the lead in the third set, going up 12-9 at its largest early margin. The Pack kept Gonzaga at arm's length as Afoa continued to find her stride, but Gonzaga would tie it up at 17 all. Gonzaga would take the set from there, going on to win 25-20 and complete the sweep.
 
Next up for Nevada is the Outrigger Resorts Volleyball Challenge hosted by Hawai'i. Nevada gets the tournament started with a match against Baylor Thursday night at 7:45 p.m. PT.