ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The Central Washington University Wildcats volleyball team (16-6, 14-2 GNAC) begins the final week of the regular season in the driver's seat at home, taking on the Saint Martin's University Saints (6-18, 4-12 GNAC) on Thursday, Nov 21 and the Western Oregon University Wolves (15-10, 7-9 GNAC) on Saturday, Nov 23. The 'Cats hold first place and seek the first GNAC crown since 2004.

GAME INFORMATION
THURSDAY, 11/21/24 vs SAINT MARTIN'S UNIVERSITY
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SATURDAY, 11/23/24 vs WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY
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PREVIOUSLY FOR THE 'CATS
Central Washington controls their own destiny entering the final stretch of the season. The Wildcats took control of the GNAC standings this past week defeating the Western Washington Vikings 3-2 on Thursday, Nov 14, and then sweeping the Simon Fraser Red Leafs to break the first-place tie and claim the top spot in the conference.

The 'Cats were led by Marianna Payne (31 kills), and Emma Daoud-Hebert (13 blocks), whose efforts earned her the GNAC Defensive Player of the Week. Daoud-Hebert also logged 21 kills for 31 total points. Hannah Stires kept the team's chances alive with her 45 digs, and Kayleigh-Shay Chang's 49 assists fueled the offensive hitters with plenty of opportunities. Chang and Stires shared the service ace lead with four each.

ABOUT THE SAINTS
Saint Martin's season has been a tough run since last playing the Wildcats during the first week of conference play. The Saints have gone 3-11 since the two teams last faced each other. Their three wins were over Alaska Fairbanks 3-1 on Sep 28, and Montana State Billings, defeating the Yellowjackets twice by scores of 3-2 and 3-1, respectively.

Emily Garten leads the Saints in three categories with 233 kills, 220 digs, and 51 service aces. Jennifer Soha leads the team in blocks with 84 total, and Tiffany Lam leads in assists with 353.

The Wildcats and Saints face off at Nicholson Arena on Thursday, Nov 21 at 7:00 p.m.

ABOUT THE WOLVES
Western Oregon's non-conference slate, which saw the Wolves go 8-1 to begin the season, couldn't reflect the success once conference play began. Since playing CWU on Sep 19, the Wolves have gone 7-8 to find themselves in the middle of the conference standings going into the final week of play.

The Wolves are led by the GNAC Offensive Player of the Week in Madison Hornback, who earned 34 kills this past week for an average of 4.25 kills per set, and a .329 hitting percentage. Hornback leads the Wolves in kills this season with 319 total. Other leaders for the Wolves include Chloe Asciutto (85 blocks), Maela Honma (267 digs), Kealani Rosa (527 assists), and Samantha Darby (52 service aces).

The Wolves and Wildcats kick off Senior Night for CWU on Saturday, Nov 23 from Nicholson Arena at 7:00 p.m.