Irvine, Calif. - The Central Washington University volleyball team book ended Friday night in successful fashion against CSU San Marcos as the Wildcats cracked the Cougars 3-1 (25-20, 25-16, 27-27, 25-18).

The Wildcats (4-1) were the aggressors in their first set against the Cougars (2-4) as they jumped out to an 11-5 lead. They'd go on to take the first set 25-20.  A 7-2 run to begin the second set helped the Wildcats take the second set 25-16. The fourth set was a thriller, as the Cougars made a late push to take it 27-25. The Wildcats took control of the match during the middle of the fourth set as they would go on to win it 25-18. 

"I liked how we're competing and staying in the moment," head coach Mario Andaya said. "The players are performing when tested and sticking to what they know."

Shelby Mauritson was a handful for the Cougars on both sides of the net. She led all players with 22 kills on 51 attacks, good enough for a .333 hitting percentage. She did per part defensively, scooping up 12 digs. Madison Weg also had a dozen digs, while adding 17 kills on a .342 hitting percentage. 

Makala Swart was solid, racking up 14 kills and 16 digs on the evening. Kyla Morgan led all players with 26 digs. Julia Mellander and Sarah Joffs did their part near the net, each blocking four attacks. 

"Our defense and passing was good today," Andaya said. "Makala and Kyla are passing well and that allows us to run our offense."

The Wildcats converted on more attacks than the Cougars 61-55. Gabrielle Aihara assisted on 53 o those 61 attacks, setting an early season high in 2018. 

The Wildcats are back in action tomorrow as they take on Concordia (Calif) at 1:00 p.m. followed by a contest with CSU East Bay at 5:30 p.m.