RETURNING TO THE 'BURG
"It'll be good to play in Nicholson with people back in the stands. School hasn't started, but I think we'll have a great mix of the local community, parents, and fans. It'll be good for the girls to get out there and play in front of some familiar faces again." Said CWU Head Coach Mario Andaya.

SCOUTING THE INVITATIONAL
"It should be a great regional tournament; we have two important regional matches in there from the Pac West Conference. After this last weakened we know the west is up for grabs, so we have to make sure we play our best. Heading into this weekend, St. Cloud State is another nationally ranked team from another region, so it'll be good to test where we're at against a national powerhouse. We have a lot of great things to carry over from this last weekend against great competition, there are a few things for us to work on this week and we'll see how it plays out." Said CWU Head Coach Mario Andaya.

The Wildcats first matchup is against the Sharks from Hawaii Pacific. The Sharks currently sit 0-4 after dropping both matches against University of Alaska Anchorage and University of Alaska Fairbanks in the Hawai'i-Alaska Challenge. As a team the Sharks average 7.9 kills per set, 1.7 aces per set, 11.6 digs per set, and 1.4 blocks per set. The Sharks offense is led by Karina Gatewood, freshman who is averaging 2.13 kills per set and holds 3 service aces.

In their second match, the Wildcats will take on the Huskies from St. Cloud State. The Huskies currently sit 4-0 by way of three, 3-0 sweeps and one five set match. As a team they average 14.9 kills per set, 1.5 aces per set, 14.9 digs per set, and 2.7 blocks per set. The Huskie offense is led by sophomore Kenzie Foley, who has averaged 3.57 kills per set. On the defensive side junior Phebie Rossi and senior Bella Erne lead the Huskies at the net. The duo has 24 total blocks on the year so far.

The final match of the tournament will be against the Eagles from Biola University (Calif.). The Eagles are currently sitting 2-2 after the University of Alaska Anchorage tournament. As a team the Eagles own a 12.6 kill per set average alongside 2.2 blocks per set, 16.5 digs per set and 1.5 aces per set. Most notably the Eagles offense is led by redshirt sophomore Madison Beebe whose 4.12 kills per set average and 70 total kills is more then the next two Eagles combined. The strong arm also averages 2.53 digs per set and has 7 blocks.

The tournament will also host the Western Oregon University Wolves; however, they will not play the Wildcats until October 14th.  

WILDCATS THIS SEASON
Freshman Marianna Payne currently leads the 'Cats offense. At the WWU Invitational she landed 51 kills through all 14 sets played. Her offensive power and averaging 3.96 points per set led the 'Cats through two five set matches against the Chaminade Silverswords and the MSU Denver Roadrunners. Tia Andaya, a recent transfer from Gonzaga, has also shown to be a pivotal piece of the 'Cats rotation. At the WWU Invitational she put up 25 total kills alongside 70 assists. Add 31 digs and 4 blocks to her stat line and it was no wonder she and Payne both earned selections to the WWU Invitational All-Tournament Team.

The 'Cats also rely heavily on freshman libero Hannah Stires. Averaging 4.57 digs per set and holding a .923 reception percentage, she gives the 'Cats the flexibility they need to keep the ball off the ground. Local sophomore from down the road Sydney Remsberg has been the specialist from behind the line. She averages 4.93 aces per set and has put up 28 digs and 69 assists.

COVID-19 NOTICE
Following the advice of local and state health guidelines all spectators and visitors will be required to wear a facial covering while indoors regardless of vaccination status.