SPOKANE, Wash. — Gonzaga Volleyball defeated Pacific University in straight sets on Saturday taking the sets with ease with final scores of 25-18, 25-12, and 25-23. The Bulldogs recorded a hitting percentage of .366, highlighted by a strong third set with 18 kills and only 2 errors.

The Zags opened the game on a run that set the tone for the rest of the match, as Taylor Walsh delivered a huge run of three consecutive service aces, putting the Zags up with an early lead of 6-2. Despite Pacific's attempts to close the early gap, the Zags' consistency was culminated in a service ace by Carina Zaldivar and a final ace by Larson to close the set at 25-18. The Zags had five aces in the first set alone. 

Gonzaga surged ahead in the second set, breaking away from Pacific with ease. Autumn Larson was instrumental to this run, contributing a series of service aces, including key points at 19-11 and 23-11, which solidified the Bulldogs' control. GU added another four aces in the second set. 

The Bulldogs surged ahead in the third set, capitalizing on multiple attack errors by Pacific to establish an early 3-0 lead, with Walsh and Fallon Thompson each contributing crucial blocks. Despite Pacific's attempts to claw back into the game, the Bulldogs maintained their edge, with a run of several kills led by Sjakkie Donkers ensuring that the Bulldogs stayed in front. Larson clinched the final point, sealing the set for the Zags with a 25-23 victory to ice the match. 

Larson led the team with four service aces and added nine kills on 16 attempts, hitting a great .438%. Kate Herrick recorded 17 assists and contributed eight digs, while Nia Damuni added 12 assists. Raechelle Dykstra also added nine kills while logging a .400 hitting percentage, while Walsh contributed three service aces and three block assists to cap an all around team effort. 

Looking ahead, the Bulldogs will face Pepperdine on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Charlotte Y. Martin Centre in Spokane, Washington.