SEATTLE – Husky Volleyball had set point opportunities in the first two sets but was unable to capitalize, and instead found itself in an 0-2 hole, ultimately leading to a 25-27, 25-27, 20-25 loss to Washington State in the regular season finale in a packed Bohler Gym with 3,005 fans. The Dawgs finished the regular season at 20-10 and 12-8 in conference play, and will await their postseason fate on Sunday.
UW had a set point leading 24-23 in the first set and 25-24 in the second set but WSU made the crucial plays when needed. The Huskies struggled with the Cougar block, which had 14 blocks compared to 5 for UW. The Huskies hit .219 while WSU hit at a .343 mark.
“A disappointing result but also long stretches of high level play against a tough opponent on their home floor,” said Head Coach Keegan Cook. “The margins are thin at this stage and we had opportunities to take the first two sets. I never felt panic or distress from our group in the environment and that’s the kind of mentality and communication we need next week. I have confidence in where we are physically and mentally.”
The teams split the Boeing Apple Cup season series, each sweeping on its home court. Washington State also expects to make the tourney with a 14-6 conference record.
Claire Hoffman led all players with 17 kills, hitting .256, while Ella May Powell had 36 assists and two aces with nine digs. Emoni Bush had 10 kills hitting .261, and Sophie Summers had a strong match with seven kills on a .417 percentage. Marin Grote had nine kills and four blocks and Lauren Bays had 10 digs.
UP NEXT: Washington will learn its NCAA tournament fate this Sunday in the Selection Show at 4:30 p.m. Pacific time, as it airs on ESPNU. The Huskies are hoping for a 21st straight NCAA tournament bid.
SET ONE: Sophie Summers had the first kill for the Dawgs on the second point. Summers soon had a second kill, and Hoffman’s first made it 3-4. A block from Grote and Powell evened it at 4-4. UW took its first lead with a Grote slide kill for 6-5. But the Cougars came back with three straight until Grote terminated again for 7-8. Crenshaw slammed off the block for 10-11. A long rally was finished by Hoffman from the left to push the Dawgs back in front,…
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