Volleyball | 10/9/2010 8:57:48 PM

Box Score [Box score]

MONMOUTH, Ore. - Krissi Kemper and Samantha Ward both had 11 kills in the Western Oregon's 25-16, 25-18 and 26-24 victory over Saint Martin's on Saturday, Oct. 9.

The win moves the Wolves to 8-6 on the season and to 6-3 in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. The loss drops the Saints to 1-8 in the GNAC and 1-13 overall.

"We had a great week of practice, maybe the best since I have been here," said Western Oregon head coach Brad Saindon. "This was a great way to cap off the week, with a good outing in front of an energetic crowd."

The Wolves seemed to feed off the crowd as everyone but the libero had a kill. Kemper's .412 hitting percentage led the way, as she registered her kill kills on just 17 attempts. She also added two of the Wolves' six service aces on the evening.

Ward chipped in with those 11 kills on 29 attempts for a .138 hitting percentage. Stephanie Beeler and Corynn Kopra would both add seven kills. Jorden Burrows would notch 35 assists out of the setter position while Katie Bashaw had a team-best 12 digs.

"Krissi was really good tonight with her 11 kills in 17 swings," added Saindon. "We also got great play out of Corynn all match with seven kills in 15 attempts. It was also great to see Katie at libero, and I thought she did a nice job."

WOU was able to control the match by outhitting SMU .232 to .073, including registering 42 kills to the Saints' 21. Western Oregon also doubled up on Saint Martin's in the service ace department.

"It probably doesn't look like we practice serving at all," Saindon continued, "but we have been practicing it for 50 percent of our practice, so one day it will come around and hopefully that is next Thursday."

With Saint Martin's out of the way, Western Oregon will now turn its attention to GNAC-leader Western Washington, who comes to town for a showdown on Thursday, Oct. 14 at 7:00 p.m.

"The crowds for our matches have been awesome," explained Saindon. "I hope that next Thursday the whole student body shows up for our toughest match of the year, against Western Washington."