BELLINGHAM, Wash. --- The Western Oregon volleyball team came out strong with a first-set victory against No. 9 Western Washington, but the Vikings took control after that and won 3-1 (22-25, 25-15, 25-21, 25-19) Thursday night at WECU Court at Carver Gym.

The Wolves (9-14 overall, 5-10 GNAC) and WWU (18-5, 13-2) were tied at 14-14 in the opening set before a Viking service set, WW attack error and an Emily West ace put WOU up for what turned out to be for good in the opening set. The score got within one at 23-22, but kills by Madison Hornback and Bailee Hartsook closed it out for the Wolves.

But the Vikings took control of the second set, pulled away late in the third set and jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the fourth set and never trailed again in closing out WOU.

Delaney Smith had a big game for the Wolves, finishing with 15 kills, only one attack error and a hitting percentage of .636. Hartsook finished with 15 kills as well to go along with seven digs and Hornback had 14 kills, nine digs and three aces. Laney O'Neil had a team-high 22 assists while West finished with 19 to go along with 10 digs, Sophie Matlock led the team with 19 digs and Bella MacLellan had a team-high three blocks.

WOU returns to action Saturday at Simon Fraser.