Redhawks Top Vandals in Season Opener

MOSCOW, Idaho - Seattle U Volleyball opened the 2023 campaign with a victory on Friday afternoon, taking down Idaho in a three set sweep. The match was played as a part of the Idaho Volleyball Classic at Memorial Gym on the campus of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho.

"What a great way to start the 2023 season," said Head Coach Michelle Cole. "The focus we put in the offseason of playing our system and playing together really shined today. I am incredibly proud of this group for their effort and being willing to share ideas when called upon. We talk a lot about flying as one and every coach understands that when a group is successful at relying on each other then good things will come."

SCORING SUMMARY
Set 1: 25-16
Set 2: 25-23 
Set 3:  25-22

MATCH NOTES
Seattle U finished with 37 total kills, highlighted by 16 in the second set. 

The Redhawks finished with eight total blocks compared to Idaho's three.

Naima Foster led Seattle U in kills with 12, while Arianna Bilby recorded nine and Yasemin Elmas notched seven.

Elmas logged five total blocks, while Elif Teksoy and Merima Smajlovic both had two.

Smajlovic led the team in digs with 13, while Katlyn Sipes also finished in double-digits with 11. 

Teksoy finished one dig shy of a double-double, recording four kills, 26 assists, nine digs and two total blocks. 

SEASON/CAREER NOTES
This marked the first career collegiate match for Elif Teksoy, Yasemin Elmas and Naima Foster. 

Smajlovic finished three digs shy of tying her career-high of 16.

UP NEXT
Seattle U will continue play at the Idaho Classic on Saturday with matches against North Dakota State and UC Riverside at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., respectively. Both matches are streamed on ESPN+.

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