Central Washington University Athletics

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - The Central Washington University volleyball team extended its winning streak to 10 matches Thursday night, cruising past Saint Martin's in straight sets, 25-11, 25-13, 25-19, inside Nicholson Arena. The Wildcats improved to 14-4 overall and 10-2 in GNAC play behind a balanced offensive attack and dominant serving performance.
 
Quoting Head Coach Lauren Herseth
"We did a great job of earning our points tonight. Our service pressure allowed our defense to collect the ball, and it was fun to see our offense light up. BP made some sweet plays and our middles and right-sides produced at a high clip to carry us across the finish line — all around a great team win."
 
How It Happened
Central controlled the match from start to finish, hitting .337 while limiting the Saints to a .134 hitting percentage. The Wildcats totaled 45 kills, nine service aces, 47 digs, and 43 assists in one of their most efficient performances of the season.
 
Kennedy Webb led the attack with 10 kills, while Ellie Marble and Kailey Willsey each added nine. Kayleigh-Shay Chang directed the offense with 25 assists, and Addie Allen chipped in 16 assists. On the defensive side, Brooklyn Parker posted a match-high 18 digs while Mya VanderYacht added 14 digs and four service aces.
 
First Set
The Wildcats wasted little time taking control of the opening set. After building an 8-2 lead behind strong serving from VanderYacht and Parker, Central continued to increase its advantage through efficient attacking from Webb, Marble, and Willsey. Saint Martin's never got closer than five points the rest of the way as the 'Cats closed on a 13-4 run. Webb recorded five kills in the set, and Marble sealed a 25-11 victory with the final point.
 
Second Set
Saint Martin's jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead to begin the second frame, but CWU quickly regrouped. The Wildcats answered with a 9-2 run behind Allen's serving and a pair of blocks from Godden and Willsey. Marble, Westby, and Tri contributed key kills as Central stretched its lead to 18-10. The Saints were unable to mount a comeback, and an Allen service ace finished off a convincing 25-13 set win.
 
Third Set
The third set was Saint Martin's most competitive effort of the night. The Saints battled to a 12-12 tie midway through the frame before the 'Cats found another gear. Consecutive kills from Willsey, Westby, and Tri sparked an 8-4 run that put the Wildcats in command. Webb continued to lead the offense down the stretch, while VanderYacht added a service ace to bring up match point. Webb delivered the match-clinching kill as the Crimson and Black completed the sweep with a 25-19 victory.
 
Up Next
The Wildcats remain at Nicholson Arena on Saturday, Oct. 24, when they host Western Oregon in a GNAC matchup. First serve is set for 1 p.m.