BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Coming off a road sweep of the Alaska schools, the No. 18 nationally-ranked Western Washington University Volleyball team is back at home inside Carver Gym for its next three matches.

 

The Vikings have won their last 10 matches to rise to the top of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference standings with an 11-1 conference mark (15-4 overall) and will play three home matches over a five-day stretch.

 

WWU hosts Saint Martin's on Thursday, Western Oregon on Saturday and Alaska Anchorage on Monday, with all contests featuring a 7 pm first serve on WECU Court in Carver Gym.

 

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. A live (and free) webcast and live stats are also available with links at wwuvikings.com/Live.

 

Western will play four of its remaining six regular-season matches at home, also hosting Simon Fraser University on November 20 (Saturday) in Carver Gym with a 12 pm first serve. WWU is a perfect 8-0 in Carver Gym an carries a 17-match home winning streak into this week's action.

 

The Vikings 2-0 performance in Alaska included a 3-2 victory in Fairbanks and a 3-0 sweep in Anchorage. Outside hitters Calley Heilborn (Defense) and Gabby Gunterman (Offense) swept the GNAC Player of the Week awards and the Vikings earned GNAC Team of the Week honors. 

 

WWU enters the eighth week of GNAC play leading the conference and ranking 4th nationally averaging 2.63 blocks per set. The Vikings also pace the conference with a .236 hitting percentage (39th in NCAA II) and is 2nd in the GNAC averaging 13.11 kills per set.

 

All three upcoming home matches will stream online and feature live statistical updates, with direct links available at wwuvikings.com/Live.

 

 

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. 

 

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

 

• Saint Martin's: WWU defeated Saint Martin's in four sets (25-19,25-17,21-25,25-19) on Oct. 9 in Lacey…Vikings lead the all-time series 64-5 with a current 43-match winning streak. The Vikings have won 63 of the last 65 sets in the series dating back to 2010. In home matches, WWU has won 21 straight over SMU since 1999.
• Western Oregon: WWU leads the all-time series vs. Western Oregon 46-14, including a current 18-match winning streak. Defeated the Wolves in four sets (25-12,23-25,25-20, 25-17) on Oct. 7 in Monmouth. 10 of the last 11 wins vs. WOU have been 3-0 sweeps.
• Alaska Anchorage: Earned a 3-0 sweep over UAA last week on Oct. 30 in Anchorage, marking the first sweep by the Vikings vs. the Seawolves since the 2012 season. WWU leads the all-time series vs. UAA 37-19, including a 14-7 record in Bellingham. Vikings have won six of the last eight meetings. Series has featured six 5-set matches and only two sweeps among the last 17 meetings between the conference rivals.

 

WWU has a current 10-match winning streak, a stretch of victories that began with a four-set road win over Northwest Nazarene on September 25. The Vikings were perfect during October going 9-0, with five 3-0 sweeps. WWU has now recorded a double-digit winning streak in each of the last six "full" seasons: 17 (2019), 30 (2018), 20 (2017), 11 (2016), 16 (2015).

 

WWU is 8-0 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 292-82 (.781) record in the on-campus facility and since moving back into the renovated facility in 2017, WWU is 48-1. Western is 177-16 (.917) 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 17 consecutive matches in Bellingham.

 

The Vikings were selected as the GNAC Team of the Week after sweeping the road trip last week at Alaska Fairbanks (3-2 win) and Alaska Anchorage (3-0 victory). WWU extended its winning streak to 10 consecutive matches with a 3-2 win over Alaska Fairbanks (23-25, 27-25, 25-16, 21-25, 15-11) and 3-0 over Alaska Anchorage (25-22, 25-23, 25-19) to improve to 15-4 overall. WWU has a two-match lead in the GNAC standings with a 11-1 conference record.

 

Gabby Gunterman (Offense) and Calley Heilborn (Defense) swept the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Player of the Week awards after the Vikings sweep of the Alaska schools. Gunterman averaged 4.75 kills per set with a .326 hitting percentage. She recorded a pair of double-doubles during the road trip, also averaging 4.00 digs and 0.75 blocks per set. Heilborn earned her third conference weekly award this season (all defensive) and eighth in her career to tie Abby Phelps for the second-most by a WWU player (Kayleigh Harper – 10). Heilborn averaged 5.25 digs per set, including 20 digs in the 3-0 win at UAA and 22 digs vs. UAF (42 total digs). Additionally, Heilborn averaged 4.38 kills per set (.276) and had a pair of service aces.
 

WWU is 15-4 overall and 11-1 in GNAC play, going 5-2 in three-set matches, 5-1 in four-set contests and 5-1 in five sets. Here is a look at Western's record breakdown for the 2021 season:

 

 

Through the first 19 matches of the season, WWU leads the conference averaging 2.63 blocks per set and with a .236 hitting percentage. The Vikings are also listed 2nd among GNAC leaders in kills (13.11), 3rd in assists (12.25) and 4th in digs (16.15). Here is a look at some of the individual standouts for the Vikings and where they currently rank in the GNAC:

 

• Olivia Fairchild – Hitting Pct. (.328, 1st), Blocks (1.31, 3rd), Points (3.16/set, 14th)
• Calley Heilborn – Points (3.91/set, 5th), Kills (3.29/set, 5th), Digs (4.20/set, 5th), Aces (0.29/set, 14th)
• Gabby Gunterman – Points (3.77/set, 6th), Kills (6th, 3.13), Digs (3.35/set, 13th), Hitting Pct. (.223, 14th)
• Chloe Roetcisoender – Hitting Pct. (.309, 5th), Blocks (1.15/set, 5th)
• Malia Aleaga – Assists (10.46/set, 2nd)
• Kasey Woodruff – Digs (3.89/set, 9th)
• Tupu Lologo – Aces (0.29/set, 14th)

 

In the first 13 matches of the season, the Vikings went 9-4, but were without a three-set victory. The Vikings have solved that problem with five sweeps in the last six matches (SPU, MSUB, NNU, CWU) and have 18 of their last 20 sets.

 

The Vikings are 5-1 in five-set matches this season, including three GNAC victories going the distance against Simon Fraser (away) and Alaska Fairbanks (home and away). WWU is now 26-7 in five-set matches over the last seven seasons (since 2015), which includes a 16-4 mark over the last five seasons (since 2017).

 

Here are some tidbits on the Vikings heading into this week's home matches:

 

• The Record – WWU is 15-4 overall, going 8-0 at home and 6-4 on the road (1-3 neutral)…11-1 in GNAC play.
• Carver Success – Won 48 of 49 matches inside Carver Gym since the on-campus facility re-opened in 2017. 
• National Ranking – No. 18 in this week's AVCA DII Coaches Poll, marking the 118th consecutive week to be ranked in the national top 25.
• GNAC Play – 11-1 start in GNAC matches (1st in conference)…three-time defending GNAC Champion.
• Tough Schedule – Played 5 of 19 matches vs. ranked opponents, with five 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 13 of 19 matches this season and has 38 career double-doubles in 60 matches as a Viking…Gabby Gunterman has totaled 11 double-doubles and has 26 in her career (in 87 matches).
• Libero – Kasey Woodruff is 9th in the GNAC averaging 3.89 digs per set (4.15 Digs/Set in GNAC play).
• The Setter – Malia Aleaga is 2nd in the GNAC averaging 10.46 assists per set (28th in NCAA II)…was selected as the WWU Invitational Most Outstanding Player…back in starting lineup after missing five matches.
• Fairchild in the Middle – Junior MB Olivia Fairchild ranks 8th in NCAA II with 1.31 blocks/set…also leads the GNAC with a .328 hitting percentage.
• Block Party – Leads the GNAC and ranks No. 4 in NCAA II averaging 2.63 blocks per set…four of top 15 blocking teams in the nation are in the GNAC (SPU-6th, CWU-8th, UAF-12th).
• 5 Set Success – Dating back to the 2015 season (last seven seasons), WWU is a combined 26-7 (.788) in matches that go the full five sets (5-1 in 2021).
• 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.
• 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. 
• Student Athletes – Placed eight players on 2021 GNAC All-Academic Team…also 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 81 of last 94 matches dating back to the 2018 season (81-13), and are 108-17 dating back to the start of the 2017 season (.864 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 475-116 (.804) at the helm of the program with 15 seasons with 20 or more wins.

 

The Vikings have now won 81 of their last 94 matches dating back to the 2018 season (81-13/.862) when the Vikings were the NCAA II national runner-up. WWU is also 108-17 (.864) dating back to the start of the 2017 season.

 

Here is a look at the 2021 GNAC standings heading into the eighth week of conference play, with the Vikings holding a two-match lead over Alaska Anchorage for the top spot. WWU (#18) is the lone ranked team in the national top 25, with Alaska Anchorage and Simon Fraser receiving votes. The winner of the GNAC title received an automatic berth to the NCAA II West Regional Championships.

 

 

WWU has played 11 of 19 matches away from home this season, going 7-4 away from Bellingham and a perfect 8-0 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.

 

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.

 

WWU placed eight student-athletes on the 2021 Great Northwest Athletic Conference Volleyball All-Academic Team, the second-most selections in program history (nine in 2010). Twin sisters Tess Biscup and Chloe Roetcisoender led the Vikings eight selections as three-time GNAC Academic award winners. Gabby Gunterman, Calley Heilborn, Anna Maracich and Kasey Woodruff all were recognized for the second consecutive season. Gabby Kepley and Kate Wick earned the award in their first year of eligibility.

 

Calley Heilborn has recorded a double-double (Kills-Digs) in 13 of 19 matches to rank 3rd among the GNAC leaders. Heilborn now has 38 career double-doubles in 60 matches as a Viking (63.3%). Gabby Gunterman has 11 double-doubles this season and 26 in her career, including a 22-kill, 22-dig performance at Alaska Fairbanks (10/28). 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. Cate Whiting of Alaska Fairbanks leads the GNAC with 19 double-doubles, followed by 15 from Ellen Floyd of UAA (both are setters).

 

The Vikings are averaging 2.63 blocks per set through the first 19 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 2.77 blocks per set while combining to go 108-17 during this 125-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-15 in team blocking leaders in NCAA Division II this season, with four GNAC programs in the top 12 in the nation:

 

 

The Vikings moved up one spot from No. 19 to No. 18 in the ninth edition of the AVCA Division II Coaches Poll. WWU has remained in the national top 25 all season after being listed No. 14 in the preseason poll. The Vikings have now been ranked in 118 consecutive polls dating back to the first week of the 2012 season, with 51 of those spent in the national top 10.

 

Here is a match-by-match look at the 2021 season through the first 19 matches of the season:

 

 

True freshman setter Adele Holland made her collegiate debut in the five-set home victory over Alaska Fairbanks (10/2) with a 48-assist, 14-dig double-double. Holland stepped in for then-injured All-American setter Malia Aleaga and is averaging 8.07 assists per set in nine matches (6 starts, 6-0 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.

 

Fans can follow this week's matches live online with a free webcast on 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 108-17 (.864) with a 77-6 record against GNAC opponents (68-4 in conference play).

 

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.

 

The Vikings went 3-0 in the season-opening WWU Invitational played over Labor Day weekend in Carver Gym. Defeated Sonoma State (26-24, 23-25, 25-18, 25-18) to open the season, beat No. 11 MSU Denver in a five-set thriller (25-21, 24-26, 18-25, 30-28, 15-7) and concluded the tournament with a four-set victory over Chaminade (25-20, 22-25, 25-23, 25-18). As a team the Vikings combined to average 12.08 kills, 15.54 digs, 1.54 service aces and 3.27 blocks per set, while hitting at a .218 clip. 

 

The Vikings had five players selected to the 2021 WWU Invitational All-Tournament team, led by Most Outstanding Player setter Malia Aleaga who averaged 9.38 assists per set and ran a balanced offense that featured five players averaging at least 1.50 kills per set (four with 2.00 per set).

 

• Malia Aleaga, S – Averaged tournament-best 9.38 assists per set.
• Gabby Gunterman, OH – Pair of double-doubles and averaged 2.62 kills and 3.85 digs per set.
• Calley Heilborn, OH – Double-double in all three matches, averaging 2.92 kills and 3.69 digs per set.
• Olivia Fairchild, MB – Recorded 23 total blocks (1.77/set) and averaged 2.00 kills/set on .328 pct.
• Tess Biscup, OH – Averaged 2.00 kills per set with .260 hitting percentage.

 

The Vikings were picked to win its fourth consecutive league title, edging out the University of Alaska Anchorage in the 2021 GNAC Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll. WWU received 95 total poll points, edging out UAA who totaled 92 poll votes. WWU and UAA split the 10 first-place votes with five each, with Western receiving all first and second-place votes in the annual poll.

 

 

 

WWU features a 19-player roster for the 2021 season, with 12 returning letterwinners and nine starting players (from the spring 2021 season). The recruiting class features seven new players, with six scheduled to use 2021 as a redshirt season. The Vikings feature three returning All-Americans in junior outside hitter Gabby Gunterman, sophomore outside hitter Calley Heilborn and sophomore setter Malia Aleaga.

 

WWU Volleyball head coach Diane Flick-Williams is in her 22nd season leading the program and is the winningest coach in WWU and GNAC history. Flick-Williams owns a career record of 475-116 (.804), guiding the Vikings to 15 seasons of 20 or more victories, 14 NCAA Championship appearances (8 consecutive), 3 national tournament appearances (2007, 2015, 2018), 10 GNAC championships and received GNAC Coach of the Year honors 10 times (2001-03, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2012-13, 2017-18). Amongst active Division II coaches, she entered the 2021 season ranked 9th in career winning percentage (.804) and 20th in victories (460). Among all-time NCAA II coaches, she is 11th in winning percentage and has a top-25 winning percentage among all coaches across NCAA levels all-time. Lead assistant coach James Suh is in his 20th year as coach with the Vikings. Former WWU all-GNAC middle blocker Michaela Hall joined the program this season as a graduate assistant, and Chris Leverenz and Brad Saindon are volunteer assistant coaches.

 

WWU reached the 20-win mark for the eighth consecutive season in 2019 and for the 30^th time in the history of the program. WWU is five wins short of reaching another 20-win season in 2021. Head coach Diane Flick-Williams has guided the program to at least 20 wins now in 15 of her 20 full seasons at the helm of the program.

 

WWU has advanced to the NCAA II Championships in each of the last eight seasons (2012-19) and 14 times overall in program history (all since 2001). The Vikings advanced to the 2018 NCAA National Championship Match for the second time (also in 2007), falling in a five-set thriller to the University of Tampa. The Vikings have advanced to the West Regional Final in four of the last five seasons, winning regional titles in 2015 (in Anchorage, AK) and 2018 (Bellingham/Carver Gym). WWU is 22-14 all-time in the NCAA Tournament.