Sep 7, 2013
Box Score
MONMOUTH, Ore. - All-America libero Samantha Hutchinson (Jr., University Place/Curtis) had a match-high 20 digs as Western Washington University swept Metro State University 25-16, 25-16, 25-11, in final-day action Saturday at the fourth annual Western Oregon University Invitational Volleyball Tournament held at the New P.E. Building on the WOU campus.
The Vikings, ranked No.17 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association/NCAA Division II Preseason Top 25 Poll, swept all four of their matches, two on Thursday over Cal State East Bay and Holy Names, and one Friday against Minnesota State Mankato.
It marked the second straight year that WWU opened the season with a 4-0 record at the WOU tourney.
"We played some good ball this weekend," said WWU coach Diane Flick (14th year, 277-74). "We had a good solid effort from start to finish in all four of our matches."
"Samantha's 20 digs were huge for us. Not only were they good digs, but quality ones where we could run our offense. That's why our hitters were able to do so well because we had a ball that we could set to anyone."
Middle blocker Kayla Erickson (Jr., Gig Harbor/Peninsula) led the Vikings with 12 kills. Jennica McPherson (So., Seattle/Kennedy) and Kelsey Moore (Jr., Bellevue/Newport) each and 10 and Emily Boerger (Sr., Marysville/Marysville-Pilchuck) nine. McPherson also had 12 digs.
WWU, which got 40 assists from setter Taylor Dillard (Jr., Milton/Fife), had a .413 attack percentage to .121 for Metro State, which suffered its first loss in three matches. The Vikings also had a 12-4 advantage in blocks.
WWU scored 12 of the first 17 points in winning the first game. Leading the second game, 16-14, it finished with a 9-2 run, and had another strong start of 15-5 in the third game to close out the match.
"I look at this as a great jumping off point for us because each week it's going to get harder and harder," Flick said.
WWU next competes in the Sonoma State University Invitational on Sept. 13-14 at Rohnert Park, Calif.
