The WSU volleyball team extended its winning streak to six consecutive matches this weekend at the Wolf Pack Invitational in Reno, Nev.
The Cougars (7-2) took matches from Cal State Fullerton (4-4), Nevada (1-7) and CSU Bakersfield (1-4) in the tournament, including two sweeps to close out the tournament.
WSU started playing on Friday against Cal State Bakersfield, taking the match 3-1 (25-20, 21-25, 25-19, 25-23).
Jaicee Harris led WSU with 19 kills and 12 digs in the match, with help from Rachel Todorovich, who contributed 15 kills and four blocks of her own. The Cougars hit only 0.262 in the match but were able to hold Cal State Fullerton to a 0.131 hitting percentage.
"For preseason you want games that you can be tested in, but it is always a lot better if you can come out on top," WSU Head Coach Jen Greeny said in a press release. "I was very impressed with our blocking, and we got on them early, but they did a great job of adjusting and threw in some tips and off-speed shots. We didn't do as well of a job adjusting but ended with a great job at the net.”
The Cougars followed the win over Cal State Fullerton Friday morning with a sweep of host school Nevada on Friday evening. WSU won the match with set scores of 25-10, 25-11 and 25-23. The victory extended the WSU winning streak to five consecutive matches.
Freshman Kate Sommer led WSU in kills in the match against Nevada, tallying 15. Harris contributed 10 kills of her own, in addition to five digs and five service aces. Rachel Todorovich checked in with eight kills while Marcelina Glab racked up seven and Stephanie Logan and Ver’Leea Hardaway had six kills each.
"I thought (WSU's net presence) was great, especially early,"Greeny said."Again, that third set, unfortunately, that's what you think about as a coach when you end the game. But I'm extremely happy with our blocking, and our serving was great, except for some errors down the stretch.”
WSU wrapped up the tournament with another sweep — this time of CSU Bakersfield with set scores of 25-18, 25-22 and 25-14.
Harris and Todorovich combined for 29 kills in the match, with Todorovich, Hardaway and Marcelina Glab all contributing five blocks, as well.
"I'm proud of the team today," Greeny said. "We are doing great things and we're getting better. The outsides really carried us today and our middles struggled a little, but that's what you work through in the preseason. People need to step up when we need them. Now we go back to gym and work."
Next up for WSU is the Air Force Academy Invitational in Colorado Springs starting Sept. 14.
