TOPEKA, Kan - The Wildcats wrapped up competition at the Capitol Plaza Invitational with their toughest test of the weekend as they took on No. 4 Washburn. The Wildcats took the second set from the Ichabods, but the host team took the match 3-1 (25-19, 22-25, 25-18, 25-21) on Saturday afternoon.
"We created a lot of chances defensively to score," CWU Head Coach Mario Andaya said. "When we converted offensively early in the match we were a lot to handle. We couldn't score at the later stages but credit to Washburn's defense and potent offense."
The Ichabods (4-0) proved why they are one of the top teams in the country in the first set against the Wildcats (2-2). After a 5-0 run, Coach Andaya used a timeout. The timeout didn't shake the Ichabods, as they grew their lead to 8-0.
The Ichabods led 9-1 when Bridgette Webb got the Wildcat offense started. A 6-1 run followed the kill, as the Wildcats closed to 10-7. After two consecutive points from the Ichabods, the Wildcats pulled off a 5-1 run that brought the team to within a point of the Ichabods. The Ichabods created separation with a 6-2 run to push the score to 19-14. The Wildcats tried to close the gap but dropped the set 25-20.
After the first set, Lexi Schamadan and Ashley Kaufman were the team leaders in kills with three each. Diana Fa'amausili and Julia Mellander added two kills apiece. The Wildcats were held to a .207 hitting percentage in the opening set.
The two teams traded points to open the second set until they landed at a 6-6 tie. The Wildcats ripped off an 13-6, powered by three kills from Fa'amausili and three kills and an ace from Kaufman. A kill from Schamadan ended the run as the Wildcats led 19-12.
The Ichabods weathered a strong middle stage of the second set from the Wildcats. The nation's fourth best team pulled to within one point of the Wildcats as they led 23-22. Kills from Webb and Kaufman ended the second set, as the Wildcats took it 25-22.
The Wildcat defense was solid in the second set, holding the Ichabods to a .130 hitting percentage. The team also came up with two blocks in the second set. Kaufman continued to have a strong weekend, racking up nine kills by the end of the second set.
The Ichabods excelled to a 7-3 lead to open the third set. The Wildcats chipped into the lead, but the Ichabods continued to find ways to score. The Wildcats trailed 13-6 before putting together a short 4-2 run. They trailed 17-10 before putting together another short 4-2 run. The teams traded consecutive points as the Wildcats couldn't make up the ground and fell 25-18. The Wildcat offense was stifled in the third set. The team converted seven kills on 43 attacks.
The Ichabods enjoyed another quick start in the fourth set, taking a 10-4 lead. The Wildcats responded with an excellent 8-2 run, highlighted by kills from Fa'amausili and Kaufman. The Ichabods answered with a 7-1 run to grow their lead to 19-13. The Wildcats put together a 5-2 run before the teams started swapping points. The Ichabods took the fourth set 25-21 and the game 3-1.
Kaufman led the team with 13 kills while adding 12 digs. Schamadan was close behind with 12 kills. Fa'amausili had 11 kills and six blocks, four of which were assisted. Gabrielle Aihara had 35 assists. Kyla Morgan had 24 digs while Sydney Remsberg had 14 digs.
"I am super encouraged from what I saw this weekend," Coach Andaya said. "We competed hard and learned a lot about where we are at and what we have to work on. We're fired up to get back to the gym and get ready for regional play."
The Wildcats return to the court next weekend at the West Region Showcase. The Wildcats play their first of four games against Cal State East Bay at 10 a.m. PT.
