SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.  – The Central Washington University volleyball team (0-1) opened up their season against the Metropolitan State University Denver Roadrunners (1-0) Thursday afternoon. The Wildcats kept things close in all three sets, but ultimately fell short 0-3 (21-25, 26-28, 23-25). The 'Cats will look to pounce on the hosting Coyotes of Cal State San Bernardino (1-0) in their second matchup of the 2023 Yotes Classic Showcase. 
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
The Wildcats fought hard throughout all three sets, but the Roadrunners took the season opener. Kylie Thorne led the Wildcats with 11 kills, which was closely followed by Scottie Ellsworth with 10. Emma Daoud-Hebert continued her block party from last season leading the 'Cats with four blocks, followed by Kylie Thorne and Morgan Halady each with three. Tia Andaya had 29 assists in the match, while Shaunessy Fisk and Kylie Thorne each led the 'Cats with six digs. 
 
SET 1
 
 
In the first set, the wildcats jumped out to an early lead, thanks to some errors from the Roadrunners and kills from Scottie Ellsworth and Kylie Thorne. The Roadrunners tied it at eight apiece and took a lead that they wouldn't give back, as the Wildcats couldn't inch closer than two-points to MSUD, as the 'Runners ran away with set one 21-25.
 
SET 2
 
The second set proved to be more dramatic, with both team trading kills early, but the Roadrunners jumping to a 10-5 lead after going on a seven-point run. An attack error by MSUD stopped the run, but that didn't stop the Roadrunners from going on an 8-4 run from there putting them up 9-18. Leading 23-15, trying to close out the set, MSU Denver made 10 attacking errors and two kills by Ellsworth saw CWU take the lead at 25-24. The Roadrunners were able to save game point two times and finished the set out with three straight kills to finish the set 26-28.
 
SET 3
 
The Cats started the third set crimson hot, jumping to a 9-3 lead after a pair of early kills by Kylie Thorne. The Wildcats were able to maintain their lead until the score was 20-17, when MSUD went on a four-point run to take the lead at 20-21. Emma Daoud-Hebert tied things up again with a timely kill for the 'Cats making it 21 apiece, which was followed by two attack errors by MSUD seeing CWU lead 23-22. The Roadrunners in the end, were able to finish the set out with a pair of kills to win it 25-23.
 
UP NEXT 
 
The Wildcats showed a lot of fight in this match, which will be beneficial in the loaded Yotes Classic Tournament this weekend. Their next action is taking on the hosting Cal State San Bernardino (1-0) tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. from The Den.