MONMOUTH, Ore – Simon Fraser University defeated Western Oregon University 3 sets to 1 (26-24, 23-25, 25-15, 25-22) in GNAC volleyball action Saturday night.
The win improved the Clan's record to 12-12 overall, 8-8 in the GNAC.
SFU wasn't wasting time bringing excitement to the match. Clan took leads at 15-11 and again at 19-15. While what seemed like a solid point gap to carry the Clan through the set, the Wolves were able to tie it and take an unexpected lead thanks to kills by WOU's Sydney Blankinship followed by two Clan attack errors in a row. Down 22-24, SFU got a service ace from libero
Alison McKay followed by a kill by middle blocker
Tessa May, and then was able to seal the set 26-24.
With a win under their belt, the Clan dominated the start of set 2. Outside hitters
Jessica Young and
Tessa May gave the team their first kills of the set for a 6-3 lead. They continued to stay on top of the Wolves offense through a score of 20-15. However, kills by WOU's Bettinson, Short and Blankinship brought them to a 22-22 tie where the Wolves took off and finished the set 25-23.
SFU breezed through set 3. A lead of 16-11 carried the Clan all the way through the set. The May sisters both had 11 kills each and McKay racked up 25 digs. SFU defeated the Wolves quickly 25-15.
The Clan wasn't going to leave the gym without one more nail-biting set. Unable to pull out the same dominating force from the 3rd set, SFU trailed heavily until the very end. Down by 5 with a score of 15-20, the Clan began their comeback. Thanks to attack errors on the WOU side and kills by middles Power and May, the team chipped away at the score one by one. Tied 22-22, a kill each by Young and May put the Clan at game point, allowing right side attacker
Rachel Vanstone to score the match kill and seal the set 25-22.
Outside hitter
Devon May led her team tonight with 14 kills followed closely by her sister
Tessa May with 13.
Alison McKay gave the team 28 digs in the 4 sets and
Tamara Nipp 39 assists.
This coming Friday November 13th SFU will take on the University of Alaska Anchorage at 7PM in the West Gym. There will be a pre- and post-game tailgate at Club Ilia featuring food, beverages and games beginning at 5 PM.
-- @SFUClan --
