McMINNVILLE, Ore. -- With a three-set sweep at Linfield and Pacific's win over Puget Sound, the Whitworth volleyball team took over sole possession of first place in the Northwest Conference standings on Friday night.

Kaimi Rocha had 12 kills, 11 digs and two blocks to lead Whitworth to a 25-20, 25-20, 25-21 win over the host Wildcats.

The Pirates had to rally to win the first set. Linfield grabbed a 10-6 lead and still led 18-15 after a kill by Victoria Thompson. But Whitworth went on a 10-2 run to end the set. Rocha had four of her kills during the rally to spark the Bucs.

The second set was tightly contested until Whitworth pulled away at the end. Bree Riddle's kill gave the Pirates a 17-13 edge and Whitworth held that lead the rest of the way.

It was Linfield's turn to rally in the third set. After Whitworth took a 15-10 lead on Amanda Grumbach's kill, the Wildcats went on a 7-1 run to grab a 17-16 lead. The teams traded points until the Pirates closed the match on a 3-0 run.

Ka'ipo Rocha added eight kills and three blocks for Whitworth. Grumback finished with six kills and led the team with 13 digs. Riddle dished 30 assists and added four kills.

Whitworth improved to 8-4 overall and 3-0 in the NWC. Puget Sound dropped to 11-1, 3-1 after its four-set loss at Pacific on Friday night. The Pirates will continue their trip to Oregon on Saturday with a match at Willamette.