Volleyball | 10/27/2011 8:25:00 PM

Box Score [Box score]

NAMPA, Idaho - The Western Oregon volleyball team kept its slim postseason hopes alive by earning its second sweep of the season over Northwest Nazarene with a 25-19, 26-24 and 25-17 win on Thursday (Oct. 27).

The Wolves' victory snapped a seven-match winning streak for the Crusaders (14-6, 9-4 GNAC), which dated back to their match in Monmouth on Oct. 1.

"NNU was ranked No. 7 in the first regional poll and this big win gives us a glimmer of hope for postseason play," said Western Oregon head coach Brad Saindon. "Sweeping a team like this looks very good on the resume. It was a great win for our program and I am proud of our players."

Krissi Kemper had a team-high nine kills to lead the Wolves (10-8, 9-5 GNAC). She made just two errors in 17 chances for a .417 hitting percentage. WOU also got eight kills apiece from Corynn Kopra and Becky Blees. LesLyne Satele added 34 assists and Samantha Ward had a team-high 16 digs.

Western Oregon dominated at the net with 12 blocks in the three-set match. Blees registered a match-best seven assisted blocks and Ward had four.

The Wolves held Northwest Nazarene to a negative hitting percentage in the match (-.009). NNU had 27 errors to just 26 kills. Meanwhile, WOU posted a .152 hitting percentage.

"This was a great, great win on the road in a hostile atmosphere," explained Saindon. "I am happy for my team. They played their hearts out tonight."

On a negative note, Western Oregon lost two starters to injuries in the third set. Both outside hitter Danielle Reese and setter LesLyne Satele went down with ankle injuries in the final set.

"Despite the two injuries Rae Ann Haistings and Brenna Peterson stepped up, and we hung on for the win," said Saindon. "That is what is team is about."

The Western Oregon volleyball team will close out its regular season road schedule this Saturday, Oct. 29th, at Central Washington.