FAIRBANKS – The Alaska Nanooks secured a solid 3-1 victory against Rockhurst on Saturday night, improving their record to 9-1. This win also earned them the title at the 2025 Denali State Bank Ice Block Classic.
The match began with Alaska dropping the first set 25-17. They bounced back by claiming the next three sets. In that opening set, Rockhurst excelled, hitting .269 with 13 kills while Alaska struggled with only eight kills and seven errors.
In the second set, despite Rockhurst out-hitting Alaska, the Nanooks found a way to win 25-22. After trailing, they regained control and secured the win. The third set saw Alaska dominate, hitting .233 compared to Rockhurst’s .100, leading to a decisive 25-14 win.
The fourth set was intense. Rockhurst started strong with a 6-0 lead, but Alaska fought back, tying the score at 20-20. A key kill from Kelli Wright gave the Nanooks a 23-22 advantage, and Haylee Lyons sealed the match with another powerful kill.
This win capped off a successful weekend for the Nanooks against tough opponents. Cynphany Henderson and Tessa Onaga were named to the All-Tournament Team, with Kelli Wright receiving the MVP award for her outstanding performance across three matches.
Game Highlights:
- Haylee Lyons and Kelli Wright each scored 10 kills. Lyons had a hitting percentage of .250, along with seven digs and two blocks.
- Peri Hoshock made history with 11 total blocks, tied for third most in a single match, alongside three kills.
- Elena Guc contributed significantly with nine blocks and nine kills.
- Tessa Onaga led the defense with 13 digs, adding five assists and two aces.
- Mikala Henderson gathered 12 digs and contributed offensively with two aces and a kill.
- Cynphany Henderson was pivotal in playmaking, recording 19 assists, while Ainsley Smith added 15 assists.
Looking ahead, the Nanooks will begin their GNAC season next week against Montana State Billings and Seattle Pacific. They’ll return home to face Western Oregon and Saint Martin’s afterward.
This team is on a roll, and their teamwork is shining through, as seen in their gameplay and individual performances. The Nanooks are definitely a force to watch in the upcoming matches!
For updates, follow the team on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
You can find more details on the GNAC Network.
