Central Washington University Athletics

FAIRBANKS, Alaska. - The Central Washington University volleyball team overcame an opening-set loss and outlasted Alaska Fairbanks in a five-set battle Thursday night, claiming a 20-25, 25-12, 25-19, 22-25, 16-14 victory. The Wildcats improved to 11-4 overall and extended their winning streak to eight matches after securing the decisive fifth set on the road.
 
Quoting Head Coach Lauren Herseth
"That was an incredible display of grit. Both sides were serving tough and taking big swings, but our block was the difference maker. We were able to stay focused on the fundamentals and that kept us grounded in the big moments."
 
How It Happened
Central showcased its resilience in a tightly contested road match, overcoming a strong Alaska Fairbanks attack with dominant play at the net. The Wildcats finished with 59 kills, a .251 hitting percentage, 10 service aces, and 18 total blocks while limiting the Nanooks to a .184 hitting percentage. Ellie Marble recorded a double-double with 20 kills and 16 digs, while Corinne Westby added 16 kills and nine blocks. Brooklyn Parker anchored the back row with 26 digs and four service aces, helping Central withstand a balanced Alaska Fairbanks attack that produced 61 kills.
 
First Set
The Nanooks seized momentum midway through the opening set behind the serving of Haylee Lyons and a strong offensive performance from Emma Freeman and Kelli Wright. Alaska Fairbanks turned a 7-7 tie into a 12-7 advantage and maintained control throughout much of the frame. Central attempted to claw back behind kills from Westby, Marble, and Willsey, trimming the deficit to 21-16, but the Nanooks closed out the set 25-20 to take the early lead.
 
Second Set
The Wildcats responded with their most dominant set of the evening. A 7-1 opening run gave Central immediate control as Parker's serving, strong blocking, and efficient offense fueled the surge. The Wildcats built a commanding 18-5 advantage behind a stretch that featured multiple blocks from Willsey, Westby, Tri, and Webb. Marble led the attack with several late kills as the 'Cats cruised to a 25-12 victory while limiting the Nanooks to a negative hitting percentage in the set.
 
Third Set
Central carried the momentum into the third frame and never allowed Alaska Fairbanks to gain control. The Wildcats opened on a 5-0 run behind a service ace from Chang and kills from Westby and Marble. Alaska Fairbanks briefly pulled within 11-9, but CWU answered with a series of kills from Westby, Webb, and Godden to regain separation. A block by Tri and Westby pushed the lead to six late in the set before Westby ended it with her 16th kill of the match for a 25-19 win and a 2-1 match advantage.
 
Fourth Set
Facing elimination, Alaska Fairbanks delivered its strongest response of the match. The teams traded points throughout the opening stages before the Nanooks used a 6-2 run to build a 15-11 lead. Central battled back behind consecutive service aces from Marble and eventually cut the deficit to 24-22 after forcing several Nanook errors. Alaska Fairbanks, however, converted its final set point to secure a 25-22 victory and force a fifth set.
 
Fifth Set
The Wildcats came out firing in the deciding set, scoring the first five points to establish early momentum. Alaska Fairbanks gradually worked its way back into the match, tying the score at 11-11 and again at 12-12. Marble provided a crucial kill to give Central a 13-12 edge before Parker followed with a service ace to bring up match point. The Nanooks battled back to tie the set at 14-14, but Marble responded with another clutch kill. On the next rally, Alaska Fairbanks committed an attack error, allowing the Wildcats to secure the 16-14 victory and complete the comeback.
 
Up Next
The Wildcats conclude their Alaska road trip on Saturday, Oct. 17, when they travel to face RV Alaska Anchorage. First serve is scheduled for 8 p.m. PDT at the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage.