Women's Volleyball | 12/1/2016 12:49:00 AM

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (Nov. 30) – The Central Washington University volleyball team takes on a familiar foe in the opening round of the NCAA tournament, as the Wildcats take on California State San Bernardino at 2:30 p.m. AKST.
 
It is the fifth straight NCAA postseason appearance for head coach Mario Andaya and the Wildcats.  Central Washington is looking to reverse the finish from last season, as the Wildcats fell in five sets to the Coyotes.
 
The Coyotes enter the tournament with a 24-4 record, including a 15-2 mark in the CCAA, and finishing atop of the CCAA South Division.  Led by Lauren Nicholson, the Coyotes' offense posted 1,387 kills over the 2016 season.  The Coyotes are averaging 13.47 kills per set. 
 
"It seems like every time we come to regionals we face these guys," Andaya noted.  "But I think that's a testament to their program.  They are at 17 in a row now and we have been here a bunch as well.  At some point we are going to run into each other at some point."
 
San Bernardino led the CCAA South Division with a .254 hitting percentage and led the entire CCAA in kills.
 
Nicholson's 442 kills leads San Bernardino by more than 100 kills.  She averages 4.29 kills per set, and is hitting .236, with 23 service aces.  She is second in the CCAA in kills.
 
"We are kind of notorious for playing them," senior outside hitter Kiah Jones said.  "We know them really well and they know us really well, but we feel prepared and expect a good match."
 
Jayann DeHoog runs the offense as the Coyotes' setter.  In 28 matches she has posted 1,127 assists, averaging 10.94 assists per set.   DeHoog is second in the CCAA in assists. 
 
At the net, Hailey Jackson leads San Bernardino and the CCAA with 121 blocks, while averaging 1.23 blocks per set.
 
A balanced offensive approach for Central Washington has generated 1,321 kills and a .199 hitting efficiency.  Jones leads the Wildcats' with 277 kills.  Shelby Mauritson averages 2.88 kills per set, a team high. The Wildcats finished 17-11, with a 13-7 mark in GNAC play.
 
At the net, the Wildcats are the best team in the country.  Central Washington averages 3.01 blocks per set, culminating in 310.5 blocks this season.  Sabrina Wheelhouse's 150 blocks ranks second in the NCAA Division II. 
 
First serve is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. AKST.  Live stats and video are available at GNACtv via Stretchinternet or wildcatsports.com.