ELLENSBURG, Wash.—The Central Washington volleyball team is set to host the Wolves from Western Oregon and Saints from Saint Martin's in a pair of key GNAC matches.
With the GNAC standings fluctuating weekly, every GNAC match becomes pivotal in the hunt for the post-season. After last weekend the 'Cats need to remain strong at home to remain in the hunt.
MATCH INFORMATION
Thursday, October 14th
7:00 PM
Vs. Western Oregon
Nicholson Pavilion
Ellensburg, WA
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LIVE STATS
Saturday, October 16th
1:00 PM
Vs. Saint Martin's
Nicholson Pavilion
Ellensburg, WA
WATCH |
LIVE STATS
SCOUTING THE WOLVES
The Wolves currently sit 2-12 overall, and 0-7 in the GNAC conference. The 'Cats caught a glimpse of the Wolves previously this season when they attended the CWU/SPU Invitational here in Ellensburg. During the Invitational, the Wolves went 0-3 taking Hawaii Pacific and Biola (Calif.) to five sets. As a team the Wolves are averaging 10.7 kills per set on a .157 hitting percentage. The Wolves are also averaging 9.9 assists alongside 14.3 digs per set and 1.9 blocks per set.
The offense is led by sophomore Isabel Hurliman. The 5' 11" outside hitter has 162 kills this season, averaging 2.95 per set. Through all 55 sets the Wolves have played she also has a team-leading 18 aces per set, and sits second on the team in blocks with 24 and 149 digs.
Freshman Sophie Matlock leads the defensive side for the Wolves. The 5' 5" defense specialist has 207 digs this season averaging 3.76 per set. Sophomore Makenzie York defends the net for the Wolves with a team leading 46 blocks alongside 46 kills and 7 service aces.
SCOUTING THE SAINTS
The Saints are currently 7-9 overall and 1-6 in the GNAC conference. While GNAC play has only recently begun, the Saints are 1-2 in away matches this season. As a team they put up 12 kills per set on a .149 hitting percentage alongside 10.8 assists per set. The Saints manage 1.5 aces per set from behind the line with 1.7 blocks per set at the net alongside 17.9 digs per set.
Leading the Saints offense is freshman Tia Allen. The 5' 11" outside hitter is averaging 3.12 kills per set with 187 total this season. Allen also leads the Saints with 20 service aces on the year and has 22 blocks and 181 digs to her line.
On the defensive side the Saints rely on libero and defensive specialist Kylie Alos. The 5'3" junior has 237 digs per set this season averaging 3.95 per set. At the net stands the 6' 1" freshman Maddy Gooding. With 44 blocks this season alongside 50 kills and 11 service aces, she can score from anywhere on the court.
WILDCATS THIS SEASON
After the unpleasant visit to Alaska this past weekend, the Wildcats are sitting 8-5 overall and 4-3 in the GNAC. While the 'Cats have fallen out of the AVCA Top 25, they are still receiving votes(23) alongside Simon Fraser(28), No. 20 Western Washington, and No. 23 Alaska Anchorage.
The 'Cats offense is led by sophomore
Ashley Kaufman. The outside hitter from Hayden, Idaho has 160 kills this season, averaging 3.08 per set. Kaufman currently sits 8
th in the GNAC conference in kills. Kaufman is a key piece anywhere on the court with 124 digs this season and 10 service aces. The heavy hitter is followed by the 'Cats newest weapon, freshman
Marianna Payne. The 6' 0" outside hitter has 149 kills this season alongside 45 blocks.
On defense the 'Cats sit behind
Hannah Stires. The 5' 5" freshman is averaging 4.75 digs per set with 247 on the season, making her the GNAC leader in digs. Stires .936 receiving percentage makes her the backbone of the 'Cats offense. With the ball off the ground the 'Cats are led by
Sydney Remsberg and
Tia Andaya. Remsberg leads the 'Cats with 268 assists allowing Kaufman and Payne the chance to score. Andaya is the 'Cats all-around weapon with 118 kills, 261 assists, and 18 service aces on offense. On defense, Andaya has 126 digs with 28 blocks making her a vital piece of the 'Cats rotation.
