BILLINGS, Mont. – The Central Washington University volleyball team took an impressive step in their GNAC journey with a smooth victory over Montana State Billings. They won all three sets with scores of 25-12, 25-14, and 25-11, marking a strong start to their road trip.
Head Coach Mario Andaya praised the team, stating, “We got kills and served tough. The setters did a great job. Our hitters were aggressive. Good win in a tough place to play.”
The Wildcats showed off their skills with a remarkable hitting percentage of .538, leaving MSUB behind at just .051. Corinne Westby led the charge with 12 kills, while Scottie Ellsworth followed closely with 10. Ellsworth also stood out at the net with four blocks. On defense, Brooklyn Parker shined with 15 digs, just ahead of Ellie Marble’s 14. The team also excelled in serving, racking up eight aces, with Kayleigh-Shay Chang contributing three and leading in assists with 25.
The match started strong for the Wildcats, who opened with a commanding 9-0 lead. Although the Yellowjackets managed to earn a point, Central quickly reasserted their control. MSUB tried to close the gap, but CWU maintained a strong advantage, winning the first set easily.
In the second set, the competition picked up. The ‘Cats initially led but MSUB responded with a burst. However, the Wildcats regained their momentum and finished the set confidently.
The third set began with the Yellowjackets taking an early lead. Yet, CWU quickly found their rhythm and built a substantial lead. They wrapped up the match with a final kill from Westby, sealing the sweep decisively.
Looking to the future, the Wildcats are set to face Seattle Pacific University next on Saturday. With their current form, fans are eager to see if they can maintain this winning streak.
Insights from the Game:
This match underscores the increasing competitiveness in college volleyball. According to recent NCAA statistics, teams are focusing more on balanced skill sets and strategic development. CWU’s strong performance demonstrates the effectiveness of teamwork and preparation. According to experts, this blend of skills and strategy is essential for success in collegiate athletics.
For more information on NCAA volleyball and team statistics, you can visit the NCAA.
