MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon volleyball kept the game alive with a third set win, but they ultimately fell to nationally ranked Western Washington, 3-1, on Thursday evening.
 
In the opening set, Western Washington (19-4, 13-2 GNAC) never fell behind, taking a 25-10 victory. The Vikings' 15-point advantage was their largest lead of the entire match.
 
The Wolves (7-17, 4-11 GNAC) stuck close behind the Vikings early in the second game, but Western Washington soon began to pull away and quickly beat the home team, 25-13.
 
After the break, the Wolves were on the hunt as they had a tight lead—by one or two points—over the Vikings for the majority of the third set. While Western Washington tied the score in a few instances, Western Oregon continued to gain momentum throughout the set.
 
With a final block from Paige Kelsey and Alisha Bettinson, the Wolves defeated the Vikings, 26-24, to prevent the sweep. The Wolves had 16 kills during the third game, which was their highest amount for one set.
 
After a close third game, Western Washington was able to breathe in the fourth as they were hitting .448. As the Wolves encountered nine errors, the Vikings took the final four points, and claimed the set win, 25-15.
 
Bettinson and Sydney Blankinship both reached double digits in kills as Bettinson had 10 and Blankinship had 11. Amanda Short contributed eight kills and two aces, while Mariella Vandenkooy had seven kills and one ace. Christie Colasurdo, who obtained 28 digs, had the most digs out of any player on the court.
 
Overall, the Vikings outhit the Wolves, .348-.099. This is the fourth consecutive game that Western Oregon has taken the match to four sets.
 
Up next, the Wolves will face Simon Fraser on Saturday evening in Monmouth. Game time is set for 8 p.m.