SPOKANE, Wash. — Santa Clara volleyball fell in its first match of a trip to the Northwest Thursday night against Gonzaga 25-18, 25-17, 25-19 in the Martin Centre. The Broncos lost their seventh straight match after starting the season 9-0.

Nikki Hess and Sabrina Clayton each had 11 kills for the Broncos (9-7, 0-4 WCC). Callie Jones led all players with 30 assists and Taylor Laugero added 13 digs. The Bulldogs (8-5, 1-2 WCC) picked up their first conference win behind a strong performance from Imani Wimbush, who hit .600 alongside a match-high 14 kills.

In the first set, Santa Clara went on an 8-3 run to take a 16-14 lead; Sabrina Clayton and Hailey Lindberg each produced two kills during the stretch. The Bulldogs won 11 of the next 13 points and capped the frame with an ace by Mckayla Ferris.

After a close start to the second set, the Bulldogs won six of seven points to take a 13-7 lead. They maintained no less than a five-point advantage the rest of the way to take a two-set lead into the break.

Santa Clara held three separate leads in the third set prior to a 6-0 spree by Gonzaga that put the hosts on top 13-8. The Broncos pulled within one point three separate times — the last of which came at 19-18. Wimbush chipped in with two kills as the Bulldogs won six of the final seven points.

The Broncos return to the court Saturday at 1 p.m. for a road match at Portland. The Pilots (9-6, 2-1 WCC) swept San Francisco at home Thursday night.

Connect with the Broncos on Social Media

Athletics: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
Volleyball: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Go Broncos!