Central Washington University Athletics

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - The Central Washington University volleyball team continued its dominant stretch Saturday afternoon, sweeping Western Oregon 25-13, 25-13, 25-21 at Nicholson Arena. The Wildcats improved to 15-4 overall and 11-2 in GNAC play while extending their winning streak to 11 matches.
 
Quoting Head Coach Lauren Herseth
"I love how we had to grind that one out and fight for our ball control. Western Oregon tested us, but Ellie and Rinnie both came up big and quietly hit over .400 while Kailey Willsey chipped in with 14 kills and hit .875 on the match. Those are big numbers to put up at this point in the season, our setters are making it happen, and I'm proud of the work we are continuing to put in week after week."
 
How It Happened
Central Washington turned in one of its most efficient performances of the season, posting a .407 team hitting percentage while holding Western Oregon to just .021 hitting. The Wildcats totaled 42 kills, nine blocks, and five service aces, controlling the match from start to finish while extending their winning streak to 11 matches.
 
Kailey Willsey led the offense with 14 kills on a blistering .875 hitting percentage and added five blocks. Ellie Marble contributed 10 kills and two service aces, while Corinne Westby added eight kills and hit .429. Kayleigh-Shay Chang directed the attack with 22 assists and Addie Allen chipped in 11 more. Defensively, Brooklyn Parker recorded a team-high 13 digs as the Wildcats limited the Wolves to just 25 kills in the match. Marble also reached a major career milestone during the victory, surpassing 1,000 career points and increasing her career total to 1,010.5.
 
First Set
The teams traded points early before Central used a 7-1 run to build a 13-6 advantage. Willsey provided the spark with three consecutive kills, while Webb, Marble, and Westby added points during the stretch. Western Oregon briefly cut the lead to six points, but the Wildcats closed the set on a 7-1 run behind strong serving from Allen and timely blocks at the net. Marble and Willsey each delivered late kills as the 'Cats secured a 25-13 opening-set victory.
 
Second Set
The Wildcats carried that momentum into the second frame. VanderYacht opened the set with a service ace and Central quickly jumped ahead 8-3. Willsey and Westby consistently found success offensively, while the Wildcats' blocking frustrated the Wolves throughout the set. Western Oregon trimmed the deficit to 17-10 midway through the set, but the 'Cats responded immediately. Marble collected a pair of late kills and Willsey hammered home the final point to complete another convincing 25-13 set win and put the Wildcats one set away from the sweep.
 
Third Set
Western Oregon delivered its strongest challenge in the third set, building an early 5-1 lead and later staying within striking distance throughout the frame. The Wildcats methodically worked their way back behind kills from Webb, Willsey, Westby, and Marble, eventually taking control with a 10-3 run that turned an early deficit into a 13-8 advantage. The Wolves continued to battle and cut the margin to 22-20 late in the set, but Central remained composed. Marble and Willsey recorded key kills down the stretch before Willsey put away the match-winning point to seal the 25-21 victory and complete the sweep.
 
Up Next
The Wildcats hit the road Thursday, Oct. 29, for a key GNAC matchup against RV Seattle Pacific. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Royal Brougham Pavilion in Seattle as Central looks to extend its 11-match winning streak.