BURNABY, BC – Despite 31 digs from libero Alison Mckay, Simon Fraser University lost to rival Western Washington University Vikings in four sets (29-31, 25-20, 25-11, 25-21) Tuesday evening in a Great Northwest Athletic Conference volleyball match in the West Gym.
 
The No. 16 ranked Vikings (17-4, 11-2 GNAC) snapped a two-match losing streak to regain sole passion of the GNAC lead with an 11-2 conference mark. Simon Fraser dropped to 9-12 overall, 5-8 in conference play.
 
The Clan had a similar start to the match as the first time they faced Western this season (Sept. 29) by coming out strong and taking the first set. Although the Vikings were able to get more digs and blocks than the Clan, SFU stayed dominant offensively. Freshman Tessa May led the team with 5 kills followed by her sister Devon, Madison Power and Christine Howlett all with 4 kills each. WWU held set point at 24-22 but SFU came back strong and took the set 31-29.
 
Western attackers Abby Phelps turned on the heat in the second set leading her team with 10 kills followed by Rachael Roeder with 6, allowing the Vikings to hold a consistent lead through the set. While Devon May and Alison McKay wouldn't give up defensively racking up 14 digs each, it wasn't enough. WWU finished it at 25-20.
 
With 16 total kills by Abby Phelps followed by Jennica McPherson and Noelle Buckner with 12 and 10, respectively, the Clan fell 11-25 and 21-25 to its rivals.
 
"I thought our girls fought hard tonight. We did a better job offensively finding ways to score but we gave up one or two strings of points on serve receive in each of the last three sets and those were the difference in the match," said head coach Gina Schmidt.
 
Junior co-captain Devon May led her team with 13 kills followed closely by Christine Howlett and middle blocker Madison Power with 12 and 10, respectively.
 
Alison McKay dominated both teams defensively, leading the match with 31 digs.
 
The Clan will take on MSUB Yellow Jackets Thursday night in West Gym. It will be the Clan's annual Dig Pink game to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. There will be a baked goods sale along with an opportunity to pledge money per team or individual dig.
 
For more information about the pledge click here: http://athletics.sfu.ca/sports/2015/10/27/WVB_1027154053.aspx.