The Central Washington Wildcats opened up their Fall 2021 season today with a single exhibition match against the Eastern Washington University Eagles in Cheney, WA. 

STARTING THE YEAR OFF STRONG
The Wildcats opened their season taking down the Eagles three sets to two. The Wildcats took the first set 27-25 fending off the Eagles for the early lead.

"It was great competing again. This was a great opportunity to see where we are at and things we need to work on after week one." Said CWU Head Coach Mario Andaya. "Eastern is big and physical, so I was impressed with how we handled the pressure. I thought our passing was very good today, so it's a good indicator we are getting better. Ashley, Hannah, Laynie and Shauny match with solid passing. Our attackers battled a big block all match but managed to and stayed aggressive. I'm very happy with how we competed today." 

The Eagles gathered themselves and fought hard just escaping the 'Cats in set two, 25-22. The Wildcats quickly regained composure and won a strong third set 25-14. The Eagles, not ready to fall, won back the fourth set in a dominant fashion 25-19.

The 'Cats remained composed and determined where in the final set two back-to-back kills by Analia Vasquez set up Marianna Payne to land the game-ending kill. The 'Cats finished off the Eagles in the fifth set 18-16. 

Marianna Payne led the 'Cats with sixteen kills on the day followed by Ashley Kaufman with twelve, and Tia Andaya with eleven. The 'Cats as a team posted a .146 average. The Wildcats amassed a total of ten team blocks alongside forty-six assists. From behind the line the 'Cats earned seven service aces.

The Wildcats next exhibition match is Monday, August 23^rd, at 1:00pm against Portland State University.