LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The Eastern Washington University volleyball team closed out competition at the UNLV Invitational on Saturday (Aug. 26). After taking the first set from the host school, the Eagles dropped the next three and fell by a score of 3-1. With the loss, EWU moves to 1-2 on the season while the Rebels improve to 2-1.
"I am really happy with the growth we are making. We didn't get the outcome we were looking for, but I am pleased with the progress we're making as a team," said head coach Michael King. "We will be a much better team by the end of the season."
The Eagles found themselves down 10-8 in the first set before using a 4-0 run, highlighted by two kills from Ashley Seiler, to go up 12-10 on the Rebels. Another 4-0 string of points that included two kills from Alexandra Espinosa gave the Eagles a commanding 16-11 lead. The Rebels were able to cut their deficit to 22-18, but three straight points sealed it for Eastern, 25-18.
Momentum continued into the second set as Eastern put an early 6-1 lead on UNLV to force a Rebel timeout. However, UNLV was able to string together a 4-0 run to take their first lead of the second set, 10-9. Down 20-18, a trio of Rebel errors and a kill from Catelyn Linke put Eastern back up 22-20. Another kill from Linke gave the Eagles a slight 23-22 lead, but they couldn't hold on as UNLV scored three straight points to take the set 25-23 and tied the match up, 1-1.
Following the intermission, both sides went point-for-point in the third set. The Eagles kept it close until the Rebels used a 6-1 run to go up 18-11. EWU would not back down, as two kills from Seiler and one kill from Kahle Elliot along with a Rebel error put Eastern back within four, 22-18 to force a UNLV timeout. Out of the break, Taylor Larsen threw down a kill but the comeback was cut short as the Eagles fell 25-19 in set three.
Eastern Washington struggled to find its footing in the decisive fourth set, falling behind 11-2 early on. A 4-0 run cut their deficit to 13-9, but an 8-0 run by the Rebels put them up 21-9. UNLV would eventually go on to win set four 25-12 and took the match 3-1.
TOP PERFORMERS: For the third straight match, Ashley Seiler led the team in kills, compiling 16. She also led the team with two service aces along with Emma Dunn. Freshman Jayde Robertsen put up a team-leading three blocks. Regan Harr dished out 24 assists while Megan LaFond led with 15 digs.
ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM: Ashley Seiler was named to the All-Tournament team. The senior put up an impressive stat line that included 57 kills (4.85/set), 34 digs (2.62/set), two blocks, and five service aces to go along with a .173 hitting percentage. In Friday's 3-2 win over Binghamton, Seiler set a career-high 28 kills. She also grabbed double-doubles against UC Davis (13k, 10d) and Binghamton (28k, 18d).
KEY STATS: Serving errors riddled both sides, as EWU committed 11 and UNLV had 15. UNLV was also able to out-block the Eagles 12-6. The Eagles also surrendered 23 errors on 131 attempts (.137) compared to the Rebels' 17 errors on 126 attempts (.246).
UP NEXT: The Eagles now turn their sights towards the Cal Classic next weekend. EWU opens up against Texas Tech on Sept. 1 at 4:30 p.m. Tournament play concludes on Saturday (Sept. 2) against the host school Cal and Dartmouth.
