Oct. 22, 2015 Box Score
BELLINGHAM, Wash. - The No. 11 Western Washington University Women's Volleyball team had their 16-match winning streak come to an end in a three-game sweep (25-23, 25-23, 25-23) by Northwest Nazarene Thursday evening in a Great Northwest Athletic Conference match at Squalicum High School.
Western (16-3 overall, 10-1 GNAC) suffered its first conference loss of the season and dropped a match for the first time since Sept. 4 vs. nationally ranked Tampa. The Crusaders (12-7, 9-2 GNAC) won their 7th consecutive match, and 9th in their last 10, to split the season series vs. the Vikings.
Redshirt freshman outside hitter Abby Phelps (Manson, WA/Chelan) led the Vikings with 15 kills on a .400 hitting percentage (35 attacks, 1 error).
"Abby was outstanding tonight, recording 15 kills on a .400 percentage, that is awesome," said head coach Diane Flick. "She came to play tonight against a quality team."
Senior opposite Jennica McPherson (Seattle, WA/Kennedy) contributed an all-around effort with 7 kills (.500 hitting pct), 10 digs and 2 service aces. Middle blocker Kayleigh Harper (RS Fr., Oak Harbor, WA) led all players with 7 blocks (1 solo).
"Overall we had some bright spots on the outside, but we just couldn't string them together," added Flick. "We made some big errors at bad times. You can't do that in three close matches. We need to improve our defense and block."
The Crusaders were led by a match-high 17 kills from sophomore outside hitter Kendra Bodine and 11 kills by sophomore middle blocker Madi Farrell. Redshirt senior middle blocker Taylor VanValey tallied 9 kills and 6 blocks in the win.
The Vikings host Central Washington Saturday at 7 pm at Whatcom Community College.
