BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The No. 19 nationally-ranked Western Washington University volleyball team closes out a four-match homestand this week hosting a pair of conference contests on WECU Court in Carver Gym.

 

The Vikings carry a six-match winning streak into GNAC contests against Northwest Nazarene on Thursday and hosts in-state rival Central Washington on Saturday. Both matches feature a 7 pm first serve on WECU Court in Carver Gym in the middle of the WWU campus.

 

Parking is free in the C Lots on south campus with a shuttle provided to Carver Gym. Tickets can be purchased at the Carver Gym Box Office one hour prior to first serve and the new fan policy for indoor WWU events is in place with fans having to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours.

 

The No. 19 Vikings are 11-4 overall and in 2nd place in the GNAC with a 7-1 conference record. The six-match winning streak included a pair of three-set sweeps last week vs. Seattle Pacific and Montana State Billings. 

 

Following this week's action at home, the Vikings return to the road for the annual road trip to Alaska October 28-30. Beginning with the second half of the GNAC schedule this week, WWU will play six of its final 10 matches in the 2021 regular season in Carver Gym. The Vikings have gone 6-0 in home matches this season and are 46-1 in Carver Gym since moving back into the renovated facility to start the 2017 season.

 

Western enters the sixth week of GNAC play leading the conference and ranking 4th nationally averaging 2.57 blocks per set. WWU is also ranked 2nd in the GNAC in hitting percentage (.229), 3rd in assists (11.82), 3rd in kills (12.74) and 4th in digs (15.48).

 

Junior outside hitter Calley Heilborn has recorded a double-double in 12 of 15 matches, and ranks 5th in the GNAC in kills (3.21) and points per set (3.89), and 6th in digs (3.89). Junior outside hitter Gabby Gunterman is among the GNAC leaders in points per set (6th, 3.59), kills (9th, 2.97) and digs (14th, 3.33). Sophomore libero Kasey Woodruff is averaging 3.72 digs per set to rank 9th in the GNAC.

 

Both home matches this week will stream online and feature live statistical updates, with direct links available at wwuvikings.com/Live.

 

 

Here is a look at the series history between WWU and its two opponents this week in GNAC play:

 

• Northwest Nazarene: Defeated NNU in four sets September 25 in Nampa…WWU is 42-9 all-time vs. NNU and have won seven consecutive matches vs. the Nighthawks…lead the all-time series 17-4 in matches played in Bellingham, winning the last eight meetings in contests played in Carver Gym.
• Central Washington: Dropped four-set contest in Ellensburg on September 23 for only GNAC defeat this season…loss snapped a 10-match winning streak vs. the Wildcats and a string of five straight wins in Ellensburg…WWU leads the all-time series 75-44-1 and has won last six matchups in Bellingham (14 straight in Carver Gym).

 

Beginning October 18, a new campus fan policy went into effect with all fans having to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours to gain admission into Carver Gym. Due to state of Washington and WWU policy, face coverings/masks are also required for all fans and social distancing in the stands is encouraged. Tickets will be on sale to the general public beginning one hour prior to first serve at the Carver Gym Box Office and free parking is available in the C lots on the south edge of the WWU campus.

 

WWU is 6-0 in home matches on WECU Court in Carver Gym this season, after going 8-0 during the abbreviated spring season. The Vikings own an all-time 290-82 (.780) record in the on-campus facility and since moving back into the renovated facility in 2017, WWU is 46-1. Western is 175-16 (.916) all-time in Carver Gym in the 22 seasons that head coach Diane Flick-Williams has led the program. WWU's last loss in Carver Gym was a five-set thriller vs. UAA on November 14, 2019, and has since won 15 consecutive matches in Bellingham.

 

Saturday's match vs. Central Washington will feature the annual Pink Night, with the volleyball program helping the community highlight cancer awareness. WWU will wear special white jerseys with pink numbers and there will be a special pre-match ceremony honoring the mother of setter Malia Aleaga, who passed away from cancer in 2020.
 

Through the first 15 matches of the season, WWU leads the conference averaging 2.57 blocks per set and is 2nd with a .229 hitting percentage. The Vikings are also listed 3rd among GNAC leaders in assists (11.82) and kills (12.74) per set. Here is a look at some of the individual standouts for the Vikings and where they currently rank in the GNAC:

 

• Olivia Fairchild – Blocks (1.38, 2nd), Hitting Pct. (.345, 2nd), Points (3.23/set, 14th), Kills (2.43/set, 20th)
• Calley Heilborn – Double-Doubles (12, 3rd), Points (3.89/set, 5th), Kills (3.21/set, 5th), Digs (3.89/set, 6th), Aces (0.33/set, T-10th)
• Gabby Gunterman – Points (3.59/set, T-6th), Kills (9th, 2.97), Digs (3.33/set, 14th), Aces (0.30/set, 15th)
• Chloe Roetcisoender – Hitting Pct. (.289, 7th), Blocks (1.03/set, 8th)
• Malia Aleaga – Assists (10.38/set, 2nd), Aces (0.29/set, 19th)
• Kasey Woodruff – Digs (3.72/set, 9th)

 

The Vikings are 4-1 in five-set matches this season, including a pair of GNAC victories going the distance against Simon Fraser on the road and Alaska Fairbanks at home. WWU is now 25-7 in five-set matches over the last seven seasons (since 2015), which includes a 15-4 mark over the last five seasons (since 2017).

 

In the first 13 matches of the season, the Vikings went 9-4, but were without a three-set victory. The Vikings solved that problem handling both Seattle Pacific and Montana State Billings in straight sets last week, and have won their last seven sets.

 

The Vikings have won 77 of their last 90 matches dating back to the 2018 season (77-13/.855) when the Vikings were the NCAA II national runner-up. WWU is also 104-17 (.860) dating back to the start of the 2017 season.

 

WWU will host Alaska Anchorage on Monday, November 8 in a makeup match for the postponed September 30 contest. The Vikings and Seawolves are currently the only GNAC teams listed in the AVCA top 25. The match in late September was postponed due to health and safety protocols, but WWU played an intrasquad match that night in Carver Gym.

 

True freshman setter Adele Holland made her collegiate debut in the five-set home victory over UAF (10/2) with a 48-assist, 14-dig double-double. Holland stepped in for injured All-American setter Malia Aleaga and is averaging 10.53 assists per set in five matches (5-0 record). Holland is the first "true" freshman to see game action for the Vikings since Taylor Dillard during the 2011 season. Right around the 2009-2010 seasons, head coach Diane Flick-Williams (now in her 22nd season) began the process of having first-year freshman player utilize a redshirt season.

 

Calley Heilborn has recorded a double-double (Kills-Digs) in 12 of 15 matches to rank 3rd in the conference in double-doubles (trailing 15 by Cate Whiting-UAF and 13 by Ellen Floyd-UAA). Heilborn now has 37 career double-doubles in 56 matches as a Viking (68.5%). Gabby Gunterman has eight double-doubles this season and 23 in her career, including a 20-kill, 20-dig performance vs. Alaska Fairbanks (10/2). Setter Adele Holland has a pair of assist-dig double-doubles, and Malia Aleaga has one. Middle Olivia Fairchild tallied a 19-kill, 10-block performance vs. Cal State San Bernardino.

 

Here are some tidbits on the Vikings heading into the weekend matches vs. SPU and MSUB:

 

• The Record – WWU is 11-4 overall, going 6-0 at home and 5-4 on the road (1-3 neutral)…7-1 in GNAC play.
• Carver Success – Won 46 of 47 matches inside Carver Gym since the on-campus facility re-opened in 2017. 
• National Ranking – No. 19 in this week's AVCA DII Coaches Poll, marking the 116th consecutive week to be ranked in the national top 25.
• GNAC Play – Off to 7-1 start in GNAC matches (2nd in conference)…three-time defending GNAC Champion.
• Tough Schedule – Played 5 of 15 matches vs. ranked opponents, with three more contests against teams that were ranked before or after playing WWU (additionally UAF has received votes this season).
• Double Doubles – Calley Heilborn has recorded a double-double (kills/digs) in 12 of 15 matches this season and has 37 career double-doubles in 56 matches as a Viking…Gabby Gunterman has totaled 8 double-doubles and has 23 in her career (in 83 matches).
• Libero – Kasey Woodruff is 9th in the GNAC averaging 3.72 digs per set.
• The Setter – Malia Aleaga is 2nd in the GNAC averaging 10.38 assists per set (28th in NCAA II)…was selected as the WWU Invitational Most Outstanding Player…missed the last five matches with injury.
• Lid Lifter at Home – It seemed like forever…and it was. WWU played its first match of a season at home for the first time since 1978. 
• Block Party – Leads the GNAC and ranks No. 4 in NCAA II averaging 2.57 blocks per set…four of top 10 blocking teams in the nation are in the GNAC (SPU-6th, CWU-7th, UAF-8th).
• 5 Set Success – Dating back to the 2015 season (last seven seasons), WWU is a combined 25-7 (.781) in matches that go the full five sets (4-1 in 2021).
• Postponed vs. UAA – The scheduled Sept. 30 match vs. UAA was postponed due to safety protocols and will be made up on Monday, Nov. 8 in Carver Gym.
• Fairchild in the Middle – Junior MB Olivia Fairchild ranks 2nd in the GNAC and 4th in NCAA II with 1.38 blocks/set…also 2nd in the GNAC with a .345 attack percentage.
• All Washington Roster – The entire 19-player roster (including redshirts) is comprised entirely of players from the state of Washington. WWU's last out-of-state player was Niki Smith (2000, 2002) from Beaverton, Oregon.
• Student Athletes – Earned the AVCA Team Academic Award four consecutive years (2017-20).
• Volleyball Twins – Tess Biscup and Chloe Roetcisoender are twins (Chloe is married, so different last name).
• Winning – Won 77 of last 90 matches dating back to the 2018 season (77-13), and are 104-17 dating back to the start of the 2017 season (.860 winning pct.).
• Preseason All-GNAC – Calley Heilborn, Gabby Gunterman and Malia Aleaga were tabbed as Preseason All-GNAC selections, with Heilborn and Gunterman both unanimous selections.
• Postseason Players – Advanced to the NCAA Division II West Regional Championships each of the last eight seasons and 14 times overall (since 2001).
• Vikings Leader – Head coach Diane Flick-Williams is in her 22nd season leading the Vikings, recording an all-time record of 471-116 (.802) at the helm of the program with 15 seasons with 20 or more wins.

 

The Vikings are averaging 2.57 blocks per set through the first 15 matches of the season to lead the GNAC and rank No. 4 in NCAA Division II. WWU led the nation averaging 2.99 blocks per set in 2019 and were 3rd during the spring 2021 season with 3.65 blocks per set. Over the last five seasons (2017-2021), the Vikings have combined to average 2.76 blocks per set while combining to go 104-17 during this 121-match stretch. Recorded 19 total blocks in the five-set victory over Alaska Fairbanks (10/2), 4th-most in school history over the 24 seasons during the NCAA era (since 1998)…here is a look at the national top-10 in team blocking leaders in NCAA Division II this season:

 

 

The Vikings moved up one spot from No. 20 to No. 19 in the seventh edition of the AVCA Division II Coaches Poll. WWU was listed No. 14 in the preseason poll. The Vikings have now been ranked in 116 consecutive polls dating back to the first week of the 2012 season, with 51 of those spent in the national top 10.

 

WWU is 11-4 overall and 7-1 in GNAC play, going 2-2 in three-set matches, 5-1 in four-set contests and 4-1 in five sets. Here is a look at Western's record breakdown for the 2021 season:

 

 

Here is a match-by-match look at the 2021 season through the first 15 matches of the season:

 

 

Fans can follow this week's matches live online with a free webcast on YouTube produced by Vikings TV, as well as live statistical updates through live stats. Direct links to watch the match are listed below:

 

• VIKINGS TV – wwuvikings.com/VB_Watch
• LIVE STATS – wwuvikings.com/VB_Stats

 

WWU is the three-time defending GNAC champions, winning conference titles in 2017, 2018 and 2019. The Vikings are 10-time GNAC champions and have advanced to 14 NCAA II Championships, including a current string of eight consecutive trips to the West Regional. Over the last five seasons (including 2021), WWU has combined to go 104-17 (.860) with a 73-6 record against GNAC opponents (64-4 in conference play).

 

WWU has played nine of 13 matches away from home this season, going 5-4 away from Bellingham and a perfect 4-0 inside Carver Gym. The Vikings went one month between playing home matches, beginning the season with three matches in the WWU Invitational Sept. 3-5, then hosted Alaska Fairbanks on Oct. 2 in GNAC play. The Vikings are four matches into a string of playing seven of their last 11 conference matches on WECU Court in Carver Gym.

 

Here is a look at the 2021 GNAC standings heading into the sixth week of conference play. WWU (#19) and Alaska Anchorage (#24) are ranked in the national coaches poll, with Simon Fraser and Central Washington just outside the top 25 receiving votes.

 

 

A new volleyball-dedicated playing surface was installed in Carver Gym prior to the start of the 2021 season, with a Taraflex Court replacing the 21-year-old Sport Court. The new surface features a wood-colored inset and a blue outline around the court.