Thursday, November 15, 2018

BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The hosts got the job done, but their opponents did not make it easy.

No. 1 seed Western Washington faced a formidable challenge from No. 8 seed Cal State East Bay, falling behind by as much as 15-6 in the second set before rallying to collect a three-set victory over the Pioneers, 25-22, 25-22, 25-21, in the first round of the NCAA Division II Volleyball West Regional at Carver Gymnasium.

The Vikings had to rally in both the first and second sets to take the victory, coming back from a three-point deficit in the first set and a nine-point hole in the second set. Western Washington outscored Cal State East Bay 19-6 over the last half of the second frame before leading most of the way in the third to collect its 26th consecutive victory of the season.

Senior outside hitter Abby Phelps led the Vikings with her 24th double-double of the season, collecting 14 kills and 21 digs. Junior middle blocker Kayleigh Harper finished with 14 kills and a .609 hitting percentage while sophomore outside hitter Alison Davenport finished with 10 kills. Senior setter Brette Boesel added 45 assists.

Cal State East Bay, competing in its first NCAA Division II postseason after years as a Division III power, was led by senior outside hitter Lindsey Ray’s 11 kills and 11 digs. Senior middle blocker Deja Thompson also had 11 kills to go with four blocks while senior outside hitter Kiki Leuteneker added 10 kills. Senior setter Katie Ireland also had a double-double with 37 assists and 18 digs.

With the win, Western Washington improved to 26-6 on the season and won its 26th consecutive match. The Vikings move on to face No. 4 seed Cal Poly Pomona in the regional semifinals on Saturday at 7 p.m. The match will follow the first semifinal match featuring No. 2 seed Cal State San Bernardino and No. 6 seed Central Washington.