Volleyball | 8/29/2009 10:10:03 PM

Box Score [Box score]

MONMOUTH, Ore. - The Western Oregon University volleyball team got in the win column at the Seawolf Spike Tournament as it defeated Humboldt State in four sets, 23-25, 25-20, 25-19 and 25-15, Saturday, Aug. 29.

Freshmen Danielle Reese and Samantha Ward had 12 kills apiece to lead Western Oregon (1-3) to its first win of the season and send Humboldt State to its fourth straight loss (0-4).

Reese also had 12 digs to go along with her 12 kills for her second straight double-double. Amy Herron recorded a team-best 21 assists while Jorden Burrows added 11. Cally Young was the team-leader and only other Wolf in double-figure digs with 20.

This was the first time all season WOU won the hitting battle as it recorded a .193 attack percentage to HSU's .106 which included 10 less hitting errors. WOU also posted a season-best 11 blocks as it won the battle at the net 11 to six.

"Its great to be on the board and finish this tournament on a high note," said Western Oregon head coach Brad Saindon. "We were not far off all weekend and although I am not happy with the losses I am glad that we competed and got better as a team.

"We now just need to get back to practice and get back to work," continued Saindon.

After dropping the first set the Wolves struck back by winning the next three sets in order to capture the match victory. In the second set, WOU jumped on top 10-3 with and even pushed its lead to 10 at 22-12. The set would end on a Laura Sakala kill with an assist from Herron. For the set WOU recorded a .310 hitting percentage with 12 kills on 29 attempts and just three errors.

WOU would be forced to come from behind in the third set as Humboldt State jumped out to a 10-7 lead before Western took 10 of the next 13 points to go up 17-13 in the set. Part of that run included six consecutive serves from Reese, three of which were service aces. The two teams would then trade points until WOU was able to close out the match at 25-19 on an assist from Burrows and a kill from Reese.

The Wolves carried that momentum into the fourth set and would use a 12-3 run to put the set and the match away with a 25-15 win in the fourth set.

The Western Oregon volleyball team will now prepare for the Premier Tournament Sept. 4-5 in Denver, Colo. The Wolves will open play with the nation's No.1 team in the preseason poll, Concordia-St. Paul, Friday at noon.