BURNABY, B.C. – The Simon Fraser volleyball team opened the 2022 NCAA season today with a four-set loss to Sonoma State (Calif.) at the Western Washington Volleyball Invitational in Bellingham. SFU clinched the first set 25-17, before the Seawolves took the next three 25-21, 25-14, 25-21.
 
Sophomore opposite and reigning Great Northwest Athletic Conference and West Region Freshman of the Year Brooke Dexter led SFU with 10 kills, a dozen digs, and 12 points overall. Freshman setter Eva Person had 14 assists, while sophomore setter Serena Gentile had six block assists, and 11 assists.
 
Sonoma State started the match with an 8-5 advantage, before a Gentile kill kick-started an 11-4 SFU run that pushed Canada's NCAA team ahead 16-12. The Seawolves scored three-consecutive points but SFU earned nine of the last 11 to win the set. Gentile combined with junior middle Kalyn Hartmann for a block that made it 20-15 for SFU. Then Gentile and sophomore middle Abby Willett teamed up for another to give SFU a set point at 24-16. The team clinched the opener on an SSU service error.
 
The Seawolves tied the match by posting the final six points of the second set, and then cruised in the third.
 
Holding a slim 5-3 lead in set 4, SFU put together a 6-1 surge. It began with a kill by junior outside hitter Camryn Vosloh. Sophomore outside hitter Jocelyn Sherman knocked down a kill to cap off the run, and make the score 12-4 in favour of the Canadian side. However, Sonoma State rallied to take the set 25-21 and the match 3-1.
 
SFU will return to action at the WWU Volleyball Invitational Friday with a 5 p.m. contest against No. 20 Ferris State (Mich.) in Bellingham.

For the latest information on SFU Athletics, visit athletics.sfu.ca. You can also find us on social media at @SFU_Athletics.
 
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