OREM, UTAH. — Eastern Washington moves to 1-1 on the season after a 3-0 (25-20, 25-14, 25-21) sweep of Cal State Bakersfield and a 0-3 (20-25, 25-27, 22-25) lost to host Utah Valley.
EWU vs. Wolverines
Kalista Lukovich led the Eagles on the offensive front with 10 kills and added three blocks, while
Makenna Collins recorded 16 digs on the defensive end.
Kate Hatch led the team in the assists with 25.
The match began with the Wolverines establishing an early 12-7 lead, prompting the Eagles to call their first timeout of the set. Eastern made a push, narrowing the deficit to just two points at 14-16. However, Utah Valley responded with a three-point run to reassert their lead and ultimately secured the first set 25-20.
In the second set, Eastern's offense, led by Lukovich, surged with three consecutive kills, helping them to a four-point lead at 17-13. The Wolverines fought back, leveling the score at 21-21. The set turned into a fierce battle, with Utah Valley edging out Eastern 27-25 in extra points to take a 2-0 set lead.
The third set saw Eastern come out strong with a 7-2 run, driven by impressive serving and aggressive play from Lukovich. The Wolverines battled back to close the gap to 13-10. Eastern then extended their lead with a three-point run to go up 16-11. Utah Valley made another push, tying the set at 18-18. Despite the Eagles' efforts, the Wolverines maintained their momentum and clinched the set 25-21, sealing the match 3-0.
EWU vs. Roadrunners
Lukovich secured her first double-double of the season behind 15 kills and 12 digs. Moran added 10 kills, while
Bri Gunderson was a force at the new with eight blocks. Hatch led the team in assists with 25.
The Eagles delivered a powerful performance in their second match, securing a decisive 3-0 victory over the Roadrunners. The match began with a tight contest as both teams exchanged points. Eastern surged ahead with a 6-0 run, highlighted by two impressive blocks from Gunderson, establishing a 13-11 lead. Cal State Bakersfield fought back, leveling the score at 14-14, but EWU responded with a strong push, eventually leading to a 25-20 win in the first set.
The second set saw Eastern come out with intense energy, going on a 7-2 run fueled by
Elle Bruegman's serving and offensive contributions from Lukovich, Hatch, and
Sadie Bacon. The Eagles expanded their lead to 12-4, forcing the Roadrunners to regroup with a timeout. A brief 5-0 run from Cal State Bakersfield prompted Eastern to call their own timeout, but
Quincy Moran's timely kill stopped the Roadrunners' momentum. The Eagles maintained their advantage and secured a 25-14 win in the second set.
In the third set, Eastern's defense shone as
Tanai Jenkins and Bacon blocked the Roadrunners' initial attack. The offensive trio of Moran, Hatch, and Gunderson propelled the Eagles to a 4-1 lead. Although Cal State Bakersfield managed to tie the set at 13-13, EWU regained control with key plays, including an ace from Hatch and Lukovich. The Eagles closed out the match with a 25-20 victory in the third set, completing a commanding 3-0 sweep.
Up Next
The Eagles will take on UMKC in its final match of the Utah Valley Tournament, Saturday, Aug. 31 at 11 a.m. PT.
ABOUT EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Eastern Washington University Athletics sponsors 14 intercollegiate sports, six for men and eight for women, both as learning opportunities for its most athletically talented students and as an enhancement to student and community life. Eastern is affiliated with Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and is a member of the Big Sky Conference, an association of 10 regional schools with comparable enrollments and academic goals.
FOLLOW THE EAGLES
SOCIAL: Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram
Follow the Big Sky Conference (@BigSkyConf) on X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky and TikTok for all the latest news around the league and use the hashtag #ExperienceElevated.
