BURNABY, B.C. – The Simon Fraser volleyball team defeated the visiting Western Oregon Wolves 3-1 (25-18, 25-21, 19-25, 25-16) Thursday as the two sides promoted diversity and inclusion in a GNAC Unity Game at the West Gym in Burnaby, B.C.
 
Freshman opposite Brooke Dexter had a game-high 15 kills for SFU, while sophomore middle Kalyn Hartmann recorded 10 on just 16 swings, as well as five block assists. Freshman outside hitter Jocelyn Sherman had eight kills, a solo block and five block assists. Sophomore outside hitter Camryn Vosloh also had eight kills. Abby Willett, a freshman middle blocker, had seven kills, a solo block, and five block assists.
 
Senior setter Julia Tays had 46 assists, the most of any GNAC player Thursday. Senior libero Bianca Te led all players with 20 digs.
 
"I think we were very solid on serve receive, and were making good reads on digs," said Te. "(Head coach) Gina (Schmidt) goes over the scouting reports on the opposing hitters before the games, and I think we all executed our defence well."

SFU got off to an incredible start in the first set. Dexter knocked down a couple of kills before Te delivered a service ace. Sherman and Hartmann then came together for a block that made it 4-0 in favour of the hosts. After Western Oregon got on the scoreboard, SFU reeled off another four points in row. The home team then won five straight points on Hartmann's serve as part of a 6-0 run to jump out to a 15-3 lead.
 
WOU produced its best stretch of the opening set by earning the ensuing five points. SFU replied with four straight. Willett and Vosloh had a combo block, Tays recorded a service ace, and then Willett and Vosloh came through with kills to make it 19-8. The deficit was too great for the Wolves to overcome as they lost the set by seven.
 
The first 10 points of the second set were evenly split. Then, a Dexter kill was the catalyst for a 7-2 run that created a bit of separation for SFU, which also saw Hartmann provide a kill, and two block assists. The teams basically traded points after that, but SFU was able to build its lead to 20-13, a gap that remained at 23-16. The Wolves fought off four set points, but Willett finally clinched the set 25-21 by knocking down a kill from her middle position.



WOU fought back for an impressive win in set 3. SFU won six of seven points in an early stretch to jump ahead 10-7. It held a 17-15 edge, but the Wolves responded with a set-finishing 10-2 run.
 
Hartmann had two kills and a combination block (with Dexter) as part of SFU's 7-1 run to commence the fourth set. Sherman also provided a kill and a solo block. WOU came back to get within three at 11-8 on a service ace by Aubrey Stanton. Davida Hill recorded a kill to help SFU regain momentum. The team took the next two points to lead 14-8. SFU still led by six at 21-15, and three Dexter kills over the next four points put the hosts in position for victory. Hartmann then ended the match with a cross-court kill.  
 


Every GNAC institution hosts a GNAC Unity Game each year to strengthen its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Before Thursday's first serve, SFU and WOU players renewed their NCAA Student-Athlete Unity Pledge to be a Champion of Unity on their teams, campuses and communities.

Constantin Lozitsky, a fourth-year international student and member of Out On Campus at SFU, spoke pregame to the audience about her hope for a more inclusive world where LGBTQ+ people in our communities feel supported. "We all deserve to be safe and seen and feel like ourselves," said Lozitsky, who came to Canada from Russia in search of a more welcoming and inclusive environment. Out on Campus is located in the new Student Union Building in room 2230. It offers peer support, crisis referrals, education and more. You can find them on Instagram at SFSS Out On Campus or visit their website at sfss.ca/ooc



"It was awesome," said Te of the Unity Game. "So many people come watch our games, and I think we should maximize our platform and use it for good. I know sports can be a great way to bring people together, and we're working to keep that theme going."
 
With Thursday's triumph, Simon Fraser improved to 16-5 overall, and 10-4 in the GNAC. The program will celebrate Tays, Te, and middle blocker Farnaaz Johal, who spearheaded SFU's Unity Game campaign, before the final home game of their university careers on Saturday. The Senior Night contest against Saint Martin's (Wash.) will begin at 7 p.m. at the West Gym.
 
"It will definitely be sentimental, and definitely sad, but I'm keeping my eye on our upcoming games and the playoffs because conference play is finishing," said Te. "I think I'll have a big crowd out on Saturday. I'm so lucky to have so many family and friends who love to support me."

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