SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – The Western Washington University volleyball team dropped its final match of the season-opening Yotes Classic Showcase falling to No. 3 nationally-ranked MSU Denver in straight sets.
 
WWU ended the opening week with an 0-4 record while playing one of the toughest early-season schedules in the nation facing four ranked opponents. The Vikings opened the season ranked No. 15 in the nation.
 
The Vikings were led by six kills from sophomore outside hitter Devyn Oestreich and five from redshirt freshman outside hitter Delaney Speer (2 aces). Junior opposite Gabby Kepley led the team with three blocks.
 
Western was limited to negative hitting (-.011) in the match, while the top-five ranked Roadrunners hit at a .325 clip while improving to 3-0 on the season. Riley Anderson paced MSUD with 18 kills, eight digs and four blocks.
 
The Vikings feature a youthful roster in 2023 with 11 of 13 players that have seen action this season listed as underclassmen in eligibility.
 
WWU closes out the non-conference portion of the schedule next week traveling to Denver to participate in the prestigious Colorado Premier Challenge.
  The Vikings (0-4, 0-0 GNAC) remain on the road next week traveling to Denver for the Colorado Premier Challenge. WWU is scheduled to face Ferris State and No. 2 nationally-ranked Concordia St. Paul on Friday (Sept. 8) in pool play of the tournament co-hosted by MSU Denver and Regis University. The complete 2023 WWU Volleyball schedule, with links to statistics, webcasts, live stats and more can be found online at wwuvikings.com/VB.
  Kills – Oestreich (6), Speer (5), Stewart (5)
Aces – Speer (2), VanderYacht (1)
Blocks – Kepley (3), Tri (2), Vossenkuhl (2)
Assists – Holland (16), Stewart (2), Oestreich (1)
Digs – Holland (8), Speer (5), Claeys (5)
Points – Speer (7.0), Oestreich (6.5), Stewart (5.0), Vossenkuhl (4.0)