Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 ELLENSBURG, Wash (Sept 4) – The Central Washington University volleyball team started the Hampton Inn Wildcat Volleyball Invitational off with a bang as they won both of their opening day games against Cal State Stanislaus 3-0 (25-20,25-16,25-16) and No. 11 UC San Diego 3-1 (25-9,23-25,25-8,25-13)

The Wildcats made quick work of the Warriors in game one at Nicholson Pavilion. LINDEN FIRETHORNE led the team with 12 kills as RACHEL HANSES pitched in with 11. All-American setter CATIE FRY dished out 28 assists in the winning effort.

The nightcap featured the NCAA preseason 11^th-ranked team as the Tritons looked to go 2-0 in day one as well.

"I thought it was a good match for us," Head coach Mario Andaya said. "We came out and establish our defense. Our serving was suspect but on the flip side our passing was lights out and it really got us into our offense rhythm."

Fry, again led the way with 31 assists as she fed the front line. Firethorne led the team with 13 kills. Hanses and JULIE HULBERT collected seven kills apiece while KAITLIN QUIRK and JORDAN DEMING chipped in with six.

"I just did what I needed to do," Firethorne said. "Getting these two wins really give us a lot of confidence going into the rest of the weekend and into the season. It's nice to win at home especially twice in a row at home, it's just that much more of a confidence boost."

The Wildcats will look to continue their winning ways as they take on No. 8 Cal State San Bernardino Friday, Sept 5 in Nicholson Pavilion at 8 p.m.