Wednesday, November 14, 2012

PORTLAND, Ore. - Western Washington (21-3) slipped two slots to No. 4 in this week's NCAA Division II West Region volleyball poll.  The poll is the final one of the season. 

Following this weekend's matches, the NCAA will select the 64 teams - eight from each of the eight regions - who will vie for the national championship beginning Thursday, Nov. 29.

The NCAA will unveil the field during a web cast Sunday night at 7 p.m. (PST) at www.ncaa.com.

Central Washington (19-7)  fell three positions to No. 8 after winning a pair of matches last weekend, while Western Oregon (19-6) slipped two slots to No. 9 after losing to the Wildcats.

Western Washington and Central Washington are also ranked in this week's AVCA national poll.  The Vikings are No. 15, while CWU is among "others receiving votes" and is 26th overall.

WWU needs one win this week - either Thursday at Seattle Pacific or Saturday at MSU Billings - to clinch the GNAC title and an automatic berth in the playoffs.

NCAA West Regional (Nov. 14) – 1. BYU-Hawaii (21-3); 2. Grand Canyon (23-5); 3. Cal State San Bernardino (20-8); 4. Western Washington (21-3); 5. UC San Diego (19-9); 6. Sonoma State (20-8); 7. San Francisco State (19-8); 8. Central Washington (19-7); 9. Western Oregon (19-6); 10. Chico State (18-9).

Kemper Ranked Second In Hitting Percentage

Krissi Kemper of Western Oregon is ranked second nationally this week in hitting percentage (.426) in this week's NCAA Division II national statistical report.

Kemper is one of four GNAC athletes ranked in the Top 10 this week.  Western Washington setter Laurie Yearout is ranked fifth in assists (12.00), Viking libero Samantha Hutchinson is sixth in digs (6.25) and WWU outside hitter Marlayna Geary is 10th in points (4.90).

In team categories, Western Washington is ranked sixth in hitting percentage (.275).

NCAA NATIONAL STATISTICS (Through Nov. 11): Team (Top 30): Assists – 13. Western Washington 13.26.  Blocks – 16.  Western Oregon 2.39.  Hitting PCT. – 6. Western Washington .275; 30. Western Oregon .245.  Kills – 17. Western Washington 13.90.  Individuals (Top 30): Assists – 5. Laurie Yearout, WWU, 12.00; 23. Shelby Swanson, SPU, 10.73; 24. Kimya Jafroudi, UAA, 10.73.  Blocks – 19. Becky Blees, WOU, 1.26. Digs – 6. Samantha Hutchinson, WWU, 6.25; 11. Erin Compton, MSUB, 5.90. Hitting PCT. – 2. Krissi Kemper, WOU, .426; 25. Erin Smith, CWU, .359; 29. Kayla Erickson, WWU, .355.  Kills – 12. Marlayna Geary, WWU, 4.26; 20. Cailin Fellows, SPU, 3.99. Points – 10. Marlayna Geary, WWU, 4.90.

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