Portland, Ore - Three members of the Central Washington University volleyball team tallied double-digit kills, but it wasn't enough to topple Portland State as the Vikings took the exhibition match from the Wildcats 3-1 (25-23, 25-20, 15-25, 25-22) on Monday night.
The first set featured a back and fourth contest, as the Vikings edged out the Wildcats for a 25-23. The two teams were tied at 16 in the second set, before the Vikings were able to go on a run, taking it 25-20. The Wildcats attacked quickly in the third set, jumping out to an 11-2 lead. The team maintained a healthy lead, taking the set 25-15. The Wildcats held a 21-14 lead in the fourth set, but the Vikings were able to come back and take the set 25-22.
"It was fun to compete and see where we're at," CWU head coach Mario Andaya said. "We need to be better at hitting the ball in. We are physical and errors will happen but there were too many tonight and it cost us."
Makala Swart, Shelby Mauritson and Madison Weg reached double figures in kills. Swart led the team with 18 kills, adding 15 digs to cap off an impressive night. Mauritson had 16 kills on the match. Weg chipped in with 10 kills. The Wildcats were better on their attacks, converting 52 times to the Vikings 48.
Gabrielle Aihara accumulated 45 assists. Defensively, Kyla Morgan led the way for the Wildcats with 21 digs.
"Defensively we looked good," Andaya said. "Portland State did a nice job finding some soft spots with their tip. Teams will tip on us cause of our block so we need to make sure we're seeing that stuff develop. Overall I liked our effort and where we are headed."
The Wildcats return home for a match against Metro State on Friday at 6:00 p.m in Nicholson Pavilion.
