ELLENSBURG, Wash. - The Central Washington University Wildcat volleyball team will have their home opener Thursday, Sept. 12 at 7:00 p.m. as they take on the #10 Cal Poly Pomona Broncos (4-0) in their first match of the CWU Invitational. Central will then take on a pair of Top-25 opponents in the #16 Cal State San Bernardino Coyotes (2-2) on Friday, and the #11 Cal State LA Golden Eagles (2-2) on Saturday.
What happened last:
The 'Cats are coming off a 1-2 record at the WWU Invitational in Bellingham, Wash. where they beat the San Francisco State University Gators in a five-set thriller but fell short against the Metro State University Roadrunners and Sonoma State University Seawolves. While the scores reflect a deficit in the team record, Head Coach Mario Andaya said that, overall, they "found some really good things to build on," and "looks forward to building the team up to what we believe we can be."
CWU saw strong showings in their previous 3 matches in the WWU Invitational from Ellie Marble. Marble earned 41 kills over the past weekend, leading the team, as well as 26 digs on the defensive side. Marble also earned the team's first double-double of the season with 19 kills and 11 digs against San Francisco State University on Sept. 6. Strong performances from the Wildcats last weekend also include Marianna Payne (34 kills), Shaunessy Fisk (49 digs), and Emma Daoud-Hebert (10 blocks).
About The Wildcat's Opponents
CWU's first match is against #10 Cal Poly Pomona. The Broncos found immediate success at the CSUSB Yotes Classic Showcase last weekend, winning all of their matches. The Broncos' offensive side has been strong behind their sophomore outside hitter Sarah Ybarra, who's had 55 kills so far this season. Other prominent members of the Broncos squad are Madison Novak (35 kills), Avery Percival (51 digs), and Alexia Athans (17 blocks). The 'Cats and Broncos will take the court on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 7:00 p.m.
#16 Cal State San Bernardino is the Wildcats second opponents. The Coyotes split the Yotes Classic Showcase 2-2. The Yotes are led in kills by Ashley Robinson with 60 total so far in the season. Robinson also earned a double-double against Seattle Pacific on Sept. 5, earning 23 kills and 13 digs. The Coyotes also had strong showings in the showcase from Jaiden Van Horn (72 assists), Cherniss Jordan (38 digs), and Allison Legates (14 blocks). First serve against CSUSB will be at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13.
Previously ranked #1 in the preseason poll and defending national champions, #11 Cal State LA came out of the Yotes Classic Showcase with the record of 2-2. The Golden Eagles team leader in kills is Emily Elliot, with 88 kills including 35 kills against Seattle Pacific on Sept. 6. Team leaders for LA include Ashlyn Beaver (61 assists), Jameson Sanders (44 digs), and Rachel Lowe (13 blocks). The Wildcats will finish out the CWU Invitational against the Golden Eagles on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 4:00 p.m.
Season tickets are now on sale for all 12 home games including every game for the CWU Invitational can be purchased online HERE
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