BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The No. 20 Central Washington University volleyball team fell in straight sets to Western Washington on Saturday evening at WECU Court at Carver Gym.
Quoting Head Coach Lauren Herseth
"We were prepared for this match, but couldn't keep pace; Western outplayed us in every category."
How It Happened
The Wildcats battled throughout the match and remained competitive for stretches, particularly in the opening two sets, but the Vikings used an efficient offensive performance and strong play at the net to secure the conference victory.
Corinne Westby led the attack with 10 kills, while
Ellie Marble and
Kennedy Webb added eight kills apiece.
Kayleigh-Shay Chang distributed 24 assists, Marble recorded a team-high 13 digs,
Brooklyn Parker chipped in 10 digs, and
Kailey Willsey paced the Wildcats with three blocks.
First Set
The Vikings jumped out to an 8-1 lead behind three service aces and a balanced attack, forcing the Wildcats to play from behind early. Central gradually settled in and chipped away at the deficit, using kills from Westby, Marble, Webb, and
Hayli Tri to close within 15-10. The Wildcats continued to battle, pulling within 20-15 and later 23-20 after back-to-back points from Westby and Marble, but WWU closed the set with two kills from Jasmine Terry to secure the 25-20 win.
Second Set
The second frame was the Wildcats' most competitive set of the night. Neither team led by more than one point through the opening stages before CWU used a 5-1 run, highlighted by kills from Willsey and Westby and a block by both, to build a 12-9 advantage. Western responded with an 8-1 surge to regain control at 17-13, fueled by strong net play and efficient attacking. Central was unable to string together another run down the stretch as the Vikings pulled away for a 25-18 victory and a 2-0 match lead.
Third Set
The Wildcats opened the third set with an early 4-3 edge, but Western answered with a 7-2 run to turn a one-point deficit into a commanding 10-6 lead. The 'Cats responded with a 4-2 run, but then the Vikings' offense exploded for nine unanswered points to make it a 21-10 lead. Westby and Marble helped CWU stay within striking distance, and late blocks from
Addison Mills and Willsey provided a brief spark, but the Vikings continued to control the tempo offensively. WWU finished the set on top, 25-15, to complete the sweep.
Up Next
The Crimson and Black return home next week for the conference home opener against Alaska Anchorage on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 7:00 p.m., followed by a matchup with #16 Alaska Fairbanks on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 1:00 p.m.
