ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The Central Washington University volleyball team prepares to kick off its 2025 campaign as the Wildcats head to Bellingham, Wash., this week to take part in the Western Washington University Invitational–facing off against a tough trio of ranked opponents in #4 San Francisco State, #11 Cal Poly Pomona, and #3 St. Cloud State.
 
GAME INFORMATION
THURSDAY, 9/4/25 vs #4 SAN FRANCISCO STATE
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FRIDAY, 9/5/25 vs #11 CAL POLY POMONA
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SATURDAY, 9/5/25 vs #3 ST. CLOUD STATE
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SEASON OUTLOOK FOR THE 'CATS
Central enters the season with high expectations following last season's championship run that saw the 'Cats win the GNAC crown on the penultimate game of the regular season. CWU earned the top spot in the GNAC preseason poll with 97 total points.
 
Returners from the championship squad includes senior outside hitter Scottie Ellsworth, who recorded 185 kills and 72 blocks last season, Ellie Marble, who earned All-GNAC Honorable Mentions with 239 kills and 220 digs, and Kayleigh-Shay Chang, who led the team in assists with 547 and service aces with 31. The Wildcats welcome eight new members; four transfers including senior Ella Bines from the University of North Florida, Hayli Tri from Western Washington, and four first-year players.
 
ABOUT THE #4 GATORS
San Francisco State had, what some might call, the second-best season last year–following the Gators' run to the national championship game before falling to Lynn University in a five-set nailbiter with the Gators coming back from 0-2 to force the fifth set and then only falling in that set 13-15. CWU earned a strong-fought win against SF State in the WWU Invitational last year in five sets.
 
SFSU was voted to finish second in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) preseason poll. The Gators were behind Cal Poly Pomona, who won the regular season title in 2024. Strong players for the Gators include Tamiya Wilson (468k, 52sa, 326d) and Aidan Goodrich (318k), who were both named to the CCAA preseason watchlist. Wilson earned multiple honors last season including AVCA All-American Honorable Mention, AVCA West Region First Team and D2CCA West Region First Team. She, along with Goodrich, both earned spots on the National Championship All-Tournament Team.
 
The Wildcats face the Gators on Thursday, with the first serve from Carver Gym scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
 
ABOUT THE #11 BRONCOS
Cal Poly Pomona enters the 2025 season on top of the CCAA Preseason Poll. The Broncos received 143 points and 11 of 12 first place votes in the poll–coming off their first outright conference title and the best season in program history. CPP's postseason was ended in the West Region Finals after being swept by eventual national runner-up San Francisco State.
 
The Broncos saw a return of talent from last season in all-conference juniors Sarah Ybarra, Alexia Athans, and Charlotte Koerber. Ybarra is coming off a standout sophomore season that earned her AVCA All-America Second Team honors and AVCA National Player of the Week status.
 
The Wildcats take on the Broncos on Friday from the Carver Gym in Bellingham. First serve is set for 1:30 p.m.
 
ABOUT THE #3 HUSKIES
St. Cloud State starts the season after earning its best ranking in the AVCA Preseason Poll in program history. The Huskies were ranked No. 3, marking the fourth consecutive year the team will start the season in the top 10.

The Huskies were also selected to finish first in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Preseason Poll. Additionally, redshirt senior middle blocker Ella Thompson was named the Preseason Player of the Year for the NSIC.

Thompson was named a first team All-Central Region selection by the AVCA and a second team all-region pick by the D2CCA. She was also a first team All-NSIC selection and was named to the NCAA Central Region All-Tournament Team, and the NSIC Tournament All-Tournament Team.

The Wildcats close out the Invitation against the Huskies on Saturday First serve from Carver Gym is set for 11:00 a.m.