MONMOUTH, Ore. - The Seattle University volleyball team played up to the importance of its season finale, making only ten attack errors and blocking eight Western Oregon kill attempts as the Redhawks swept the Wolves, 30-18, 30-22, and 30-22, Saturday night at the New Physical Education Building.
With the victory, Seattle moves to 17-9 overall and 9-7 in the conference. Ranked ninth in the region in last week's rankings, the Redhawks are hoping tonight's victory, coupled with Thursday night's win over Central Washington, will allow them to move into the top eight of the Pacific Region in order to be selected for the NCAA Division II Volleyball Tournament. The committee is meeting Sunday morning, with the selections being announced on NCAASports.com Sunday at 7 p.m. Pacific Time.
Nikole Thompson (Marysville, Wash.) led the way with 13 kills, making only one attack error to post a .387 hitting percentage. She also earned two service aces and 14 digs in the match. Libby Graff (Beaverton, Ore.) contributed 12 kills and three total blocks, earning a hitting percentage of .346 along the way.
Josie Christiansen (Coquille, Ore.) earned six kills and four total blocks in the match, while Emily Powell (Puyallup, Wash.) also notched six kills during the evening. Melissa Mulick (Gaston, Ore.) led the Redhawks with 16 digs, and Tori Ross (Shoreline, Wash.) spread the offense around to finish with 36 assists and three block assists.
Western Oregon (7-19, 5-11 GNAC) did not have a player earn double digit kills, as Shakira Jenkins led the Wolves with eight kills in the match. Setter Amy Herron notched 30 assists and a match-high 17 digs, while Keyanna Jenkins added seven kills and 14 digs to the Western Oregon effort.
"It was great to see the team come together like that, a great way to end the regular season," said Seattle head coach Shannon Ellis. "We slowed down some really athletic hitters for Western Oregon and played well overall down the stretch of the regular season."
Again, the selections for the NCAA Division II Volleyball Tournament will be announced Sunday evening at 7 p.m. Pacific Time on NCAASports.com. No matter what happens to Seattle University, an update will be posted onto the Seattle athletics website.