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Central Washington University Athletics

Shleby Mauritson
1
Simon Fraser SFU 4-5, 1-2 GNAC
3
Winner CWU CWU 9-1, 3-0 GNAC
Simon Fraser SFU
4-5, 1-2 GNAC
1
Final
3
CWU CWU
9-1, 3-0 GNAC
Winner
Set Scores
Team 1 2 3 4 F
Simon Fraser SFU 19 17 25 18 (1)
CWU CWU 25 25 18 25 (3)

Game Recap: Women's Volleyball |

Wildcats Dismiss Clan 3-1 in GNAC Home Opener

Ellensburg, Wash – The Central Washington University volleyball team opened Great Northwest Athletic Conference play in front of their home fans on Thursday night against Simon Fraser, as the Wildcats dismissed the Clan 3-1 (25-19,  25-17, 18-25, 25-18).  
 
The Wildcats (9-1, 3-0) used a 15-9 run from a 5-5 tie with the Clan (4-5, 1-2) in the first set to take it 25-19. The score was 9-9 in the second set before the Wildcats used an 11-2 run to gain an edge, taking the set 25-17. The Clan gained an advantage in the late stages of the third set to take it 25-18. The score was 17-16 in the fourth set before the Wildcats slammed the door with a 8-1 run to take the set 25-18.  
 
"Simon Faser hit pretty well in those first two sets, however we were outscoring them," head coach Mario Andaya said. "We scored at a better clip than they did, we were more efficient offensively and we converted off our defense well. In the third set, we got in a lull. I like how we grinded it out, made some mental adjustments and it worked out." 
 
Shelby Mauritson and Makala Swart were dynamic for the Wildcats, contributing for 16 kills apiece. Marutison added 13 digs and two blocks, while Swart had 18 digs and two blocks. Madison Weg and Julia Mellander were strong as well, racking up 10 kills each. Weg was excellent on both sides of the net, adding 15 digs. Mellander was efficient with her attacks, converting at a .400 clip.  
 
The Wildcats were better on their attacks, racking up 61 kills to the Clan's 55. Gabrielle Aihara assisted her teammates 52 times on the night. The Wildcats held the Clan to a .194 attacking percentage. Kyla Morgan tied Swart for the team lead with 18 digs.  
 
"Our defense is stepping up and learning how to play in those long rallies," Andaya said. "The defensive part is critical in our conference and it's a matter of who is converting."  
 
The Wildcats return to Nicholson Pavilion on Saturday for a mega match with Western Washington University, scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m.  
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