Central Washington University Athletics

Christian Bond

Game Information: Central Washington vs. Notre Dame de Namur
Friday, Aug. 31 | 8:30 a.m. PST
Irvine, Calif. | CU Arena
Watch | Live Stats
 
Game Information: Central Washington vs. CSU San Marcos
Friday, Aug. 31 | 7:45 p.m. PST
Irvine, Calif. | CU Arena
Watch | Live Stats
 
Game Information: Central Washington vs. Concordia (Calif)
Saturday, Sept. 1 | 1:00 p.m. PST
Irvine, Calif. | CU Arena
Watch | Live Stats
 
Game Information: Central Washington vs. CSU East Bay
Saturday, Sept. 1 | 1:00 p.m. PST
Irvine, Calif. | CU Arena
Watch | Live Stats
 
FIRST SERVE
The Central Washington University volleyball team has one more tuneup before conference play begins. It happens in Irvine, California, where the team will take on four teams in two days.
 
SCOUTING THE OPPONENT
Notre Dame de Namur
The Agros are coming off a 2017 season in which they finished fifth in the Pacific West Conference with a conference record of 12-8, going 17-11 overall. The Agros had 1,409 kills in 2017, however allowed their opponents 1,412. The team graduated their best attacker in Bianca Alverez, who had 360 more kills than next closes Rowen Jack, who racked up 224 kills.
 
CSU San Marcos
The Cougars (2-2) ended 2017 in second place in the California Collegiate Athletic Association South division with a record of 11-6, going 14-12 overall. The Cougars ranked in the bottom of their conference with 1,179 kills. They offset their offensive deficiencies by boasting a stellar defense, keeping opponents to a .161 hitting percentage. Faith Fortune led the conference with 122 blocks in 2017. She's back to do it again this season.
 
Concordia (Calif)
The Eagles (1-3) experienced a fourth place finish in the Pacific West Conference. They went 14-6, with an 18-9 overall record. As a team, the Eagles accumulated 1,304 kills, a 13.2 average per set with an attack percentage of .216. Cindy Tran returns as the team's leading attacker, converting on 284 attacks last season. Tran also touted a 90 block season in 2017.
 
CSU East Bay
The Pioneers (1-3) finished second in the CCAA North with a record of 9-3 record, going 18-11 overall in 2017. The team had 1,501 kills, trailing only NCAA West Region Champions CSU San Bernardino. Lindsey Ray is one of the best all-around players in the CCAA. She ranked second in the CCAA with 40 service aces, was third on the team with 2.30 kills per set and second on the team with 3.19 digs per set.
 
LAST TIME OUT
The Wildcats got to play in front of their home fans for the first time last weekend. They picked up wins over Metro State 3-1, Frenso Pacific 3-0, but fell short to reigning NCAA West Region Champion CSU San Bernardino 3-0. Shelby Mauritson has been stellar for the Wildcats early in 2018. She played in all 10 sets over the weekend, amassing 34 kills, four service aces and one block. She had a weekend high of 13 kills on Friday against MSU Denver. Makala Swart has 33 kills, just one behind Mauritson.
 
Kyla Morgan has been excellent defensively. She scooped up 55 digs over the weekend, 25 of which came against MSU Denver. Near the net, it has been Julia Mellander who's stuffed 13 attack attempts, making her the team leader in blocks.
 
FROM THE COACH
"We need to play our best to this point," head coach Mario Andaya said. "We will always look to improve and get better, but these are very important regional matches. I am hoping we come out and compete first and foremost."
 
UP NEXT
Great Northwest Athletic Conference play begins next weekend, when the Wildcats take a trip to the last frontier. On Thursday, September 6, the Wildcats take on the University of Alaska Fairbanks at 7:00 p.m. Two days later, the Wildcats take on the University of Alaska Anchorage at 7:00 p.m.