Volleyball | 8/30/2012 9:16:00 PM

Box Score [Box score]

MONMOUTH, Ore. - The Western Oregon volleyball team opened up the 2012 season with two home win capped off by a three set, 26-24, 25-23 and 25-18, win over Florida Southern on Thursday, Aug. 30.

Middle blockers Krissi Kemper and Becky Blees led the Wolves' offensive attack. Blees had eight kills and just one error while Kemper hammered down seven kills without an error. The duo helped WOU hit .250 in the match, including hitting over .324 in two of the sets. LesLyne Satele dished out 17 assists and Jordan Ramos added 16.

"At the end of the third set we started getting Becky and Krissi involved and that is very important for us," said Western Oregon head coach Brad Saindon. "They are a huge part of our arsenal and our setters did a good job getting them the ball.


"I think we grew a little today and so did our confidence," Saindon continued. "(Florida Southern) is a well coached and very good team. Even though we beat them 3-0 we were behind most of the sets and just managed to stay with them and make good plays at the end."

In each of the first two sets WOU trailed FSC at the 20-point plateau. In the first set, the Wolves were down 21-19 ad 24-23 but they scored the final three points to win the set. In the second, Western Oregon trailed 22-19 but it six of the final seen points to go up by two sets. Samantha Ward and Hannah Deede each had critical kills in both sets to help WOU earn the wins.

"It feels great to be 2-0," said Western Oregon head coach Brad Saindon. "Neither one of those matches were easy."