ELLENSBURG, Wash. - The #18 Central Washington University volleyball team completed the weekend sweep, beating the Saint Martin's Saints in three sets (25-18, 25-17, 26-24) on Saturday to advance to 10-4, 4-2 GNAC.
 
The Wildcats held Saint Martin's to a measly .111 hitting percentage which was helped by a bunch of CWU blocks, led by Emma Daoud-Hebert (6). Ashley Kaufman recorded a season-high 15 kills, leading the 'Cats today. Scottie Ellsworth had another strong performance with 12 kills.
 
Tia Andaya had herself another double-double, putting up 34 assists and 10 digs. Hannah Stires logged team-high 21 digs.
 
QUOTING HEAD COACH MARIO ANDAYA
"These types of matches are not only good wins but are part of the transformation process. We want to be the best we can be when the season is all said and done and playing good teams like SMU is part of it. We endured good serving, physical hitters, and an energetic opponent."
 
"Emma and Morgan had a big presence blocking, and Hannah, Ellie, and Shauny made some game-changing plays in the back row. Ashley and Scottie converted a lot and in significant moments."
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Saints battled tight through the early portions of the first set as the score stood at 8-8. After that, the Wildcats took eight of the next 10 points, headlined by kills from Kaufman and Daoud-Hebert. At 16-10, the 'Cats would hold the Saints from making a threatening push, and a Kaufman kill ended the first set.
 
It was another mid-set run that made the difference in the second frame. The teams were knotted up at 11 points apiece when the Wildcats rattled off five straight to take a commanding lead at 16-11. The Crimson and Black stayed steady, and closed out the second set convincingly at 25-17.
 
The Saints appeared to find another gear in the third set, as the Wildcats found themselves down 1-7 early. SMU looked strong, but allowed CWU to stay within striking distance. The 'Cats took advantage late, taking their first lead of the set at 22-21. Tied at 24-24, clutch kills from Kaufman and Daoud-Hebert finished the clinching set, 26-24.
 
UP NEXT
The Wildcats (10-4, 4-2 GNAC) will be back in action at home next Saturday, Oct. 7, against the Northwest Nazarene Nighthawks at 1:00 p.m.