Box Score

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Rachel Roeder (Sr., Sammamish/Issaquah) and Joellee Buckner (So., Colville) led a balanced attack with nine kills each as nationally ranked Western Washington University claimed its seventh consecutive victory, defeating Saint Martin's University, 25-17, 25-20, 25-15, on Thursday, Sept. 17, at Whatcom Community College Pavilion on the opening night of Great Northwest Athletic Conference volleyball action.

The Vikings, ranked No. 16 in this week's American Volleyball Coaches Association NCAA Division II Top 25 Poll, improved to 7-2 overall. Abby Phelps (R-Fr., Manson/Chelan) added eight kills for WWU.

Saint Martin's fell to 1-6 overall despite a match-high 10 kills by Julia Wabinga.

"Balance is the goal of our offensive system," said WWU coach Diane Flick (16th year, 324-87). "One reason we're running a 6-2 is to see if we can maintain a more balanced attack."

Buckner posted a .333 attack percentage and Roeder hit .304 for the Vikings. Bryce Larson (Jr., Mukilteo/Kamiak) had a match-high 17 digs and Buckner 13.

WWU worked two setters through the rotation, with Brette Boesel (R-Fr., Brewster) having 19 assists and Kristina Tribley (So., Wenatchee) 13.

The Vikings broke open the opening set with a 5-1 burst triggered by a pair of Phelps kills, taking a 17-11 advantage and eventually closing the frame with five of the final six points.

WWU led the entire second set, but was up just 19-18 before pulling away with six of the final eight points.

Buckner had four kills and four digs in the final set, and contributed a kill and a service ace in a run of six straight points that gave the Vikings a 9-3 lead. They gradually pulled away after that.

"It wasn't our smoothest performance of the year, but we showed some real fight," Flick said. "We really battled for points."

The victory was the 33rd straight for WWU over Saint Martin's. The Vikings, who have not lost to the Saints since 1998, now hold a 54-5 series advantage.

WWU entertains Seattle Pacific University on Saturday, Sept. 19 (7 p.m.) in another GNAC contest at the Whatcom CC Pavilion.