BURNABY, BC –  Simon Fraser University won a set at home against the University of Alaska Anchorage for the first time ever but still lost to the nationally ranked Seawolves in 4 sets (21-25, 12-25, 26-24, 25-18) in GNAC volleyball action Friday night.
 
The loss dropped the Clan's record to 12-13 overall, 8-9 in the GNAC.
 
The No. 11 ranked Seawolves hold top spot in the GNAC and have recently been placed at the top of the NCAA Division II West Region, now with an overall record of 23-2.

MUST SEE RALLY WITH ALASKA ANCHORAGE
 
"UAA showed why they're one of the top teams in the conference," said head coach Gina Schmidt. "I thought we did a lot of good things tonight, especially defensively. They were just able to execute their offense more efficiently and more consistently over the match."
 
Starting out their last home weekend facing the #1 ranked Anchorage Seawolves, SFU came out on fire defensively, keeping the Alaska offense working for every point. Though Seawolves' Julia Mackey led the set with 5 kills, libero Alison McKay's 18 digs in the single set alone kept the Clan tied with their opponents until a score of 18-18. Three more kills by Alaska's Caitlin Hanson and 10 total blocks sealed the set for Anchorage with a final score of 25-21.
 
SFU struggled to stay alive in the 2nd set when UAA came out tougher. Giving up an initial lead, the Clan was unable to come back from the deficit. Despite a collective 5 kills from pin hitters Jessica Young and Emma Jennings followed by 3 from middle blocker Madison Power, the Seawolves held onto their momentum and dominated the set, finishing 25-12.
 
The Clan made history in set 3 by taking the first game off the UAA Seawolves in the West Gym. Both teams weren't going to give up easily, which is why the set went point for point until the very end. Though SFU held a consistent lead through the first half of the set with 9 total kills by Devon May, 7 digs by setter Danielle Curtis, and blocks by Tessa May, Power and Vanstone, Anchorage was able to tie the score 24-24. Knowing that this was their chance for a small victory over the Seawolves, the Clan took control and finished the set 26-24.
 
Despite a third set win, the Clan couldn't repeat their success in set 4. Another lead taken by the Seawolves was able to carry them through the game to finish the set and the match with a final score of 25-18.
 
Outside hitter Devon May led SFU tonight with 11 kills followed closely by her sister Tessa May and Emma Jennings, with 10 and 8, respectively. Alison McKay took control of the court defensively with 34 kills in the 4 sets while Devon trailed behind with 18 and Danielle Curtis with 9. Madison Power and Tamara Nipp both served aggressively giving the Clan a service ace each.
 
Saturday night SFU faces the University of Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks at 7 PM for senior night. Come out and support seniors Helen Yan, Danielle Curtis, and Jessica Young.
 
-- @SFUClan --