Volleyball | 9/2/2010 9:53:11 PM

Box Score [Box score]

MONMOUTH, Ore. - The Wolves received 12 kills from sophomore Samantha Ward and 21 assists from senior Jorden Burrows to sweep three sets from Willamette on Thursday, Sept. 2, and win their opening match of the season 25-12, 25-17 and 25-15.

Sylvia Herrold had a match-high 11 digs and tied with Ward for a team-best five service aces. Head coach Saindon credited his team's serving, which racked up 16 aces, to being a vital part of the team's success tonight.

"I was happy with our serving, especially from Sam and Sylvia," he said. "We were able to keep the pressure on them all night."

Western Oregon began the opening set a little tentative as it let Willamette hang in the match early. The Wolves had the narrowest of leads at 10-9 before putting on a 7-0 run behind Danielle Reese's serving and two kills apiece from Krissi Kemper and Ward. That momentum seemed to give the Wolves boost they needed as they outscored the Bearcats 15-3 over the remainder of the set and did not look back from there.

"Some off our players where nervous about this year because this means a lot to them," explained coach Saindon. "It was good to win on our home court and get this season off and running."

WOU was also able to get a look at everyone on the roster, as every student-athlete played in at least one set.

Freshman Corynn Kopra appeared in two sets and recorded two kills in her first collegiate competition.

"This was a lot more intense and competitive than high school," Kopra said. "This makes you better at a higher level and it is great having a senior setter out there like Jorden. She makes me better because I don't have to worry about where my sets are going to be."

This was just the start of a tough stretch for the Western Oregon volleyball team. It will play four matches over the next two days, three of which will be against top 10 teams.

"Our next four matches are against great teams," Saindon noted. "I think we will respond and our level of play will go up."

The Wolves will be hosting the Phoenix Inn Great Northwest Athletic Conference Challenge Sept. 3-4 in Monmouth. WOU will open with Humboldt State on Friday at 1:00 p.m. then face No. 2 Cal State San Bernardino at 8:00 p.m. The Wolves will be right back in the fire on Saturday as they face off against No. 10 Metro State at 1:00 p.m. and No. 8 UC San Diego at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets will be $5 for all sessions and can be purchased at the door. Matches will begin both days at 10:00 a.m. and both Western Oregon University and at Central High School.