Western Washington University's women’s volleyball team is regaining its momentum in the Great Northern Athletic Conference after defeating the University of Alaska’s Anchorage Sea Wolves 3-1 in WECU Court at Carver Gym.
During pride night at the Western’s women’s volleyball match, the Vikings put their all into each play, ultimately securing their victory.
It was a close game with both teams fighting to take home the win. Despite the rising intensity and the loss of the second set, the Vikings pulled through and ended the fourth set victorious.
Devyn Oestreich, a senior outside hitter, made 22 digs and 21 kills throughout the game, helping lead the Vikings to a 6-1 record this season.
“It was really exciting. We battled really well together as a team, so it was super fun. There was lots of energy, lots of grit out there,” said Oestreich.
Although they didn’t score the first two points of the match, the Vikings quickly began to catch up. Oestreich delivered the first point for the Vikings with a kill, marking the beginning of their victory.
Also on the court was freshman pin hitter Maren Stuber, who made four digs and two kills. This was her second match on the court and first match at home.
“I just was excited to get my opportunity to go in, especially as a freshman… I just really wanted to do my best, have as much energy as I could and do the best that I could,” said Stuber.
Moving forward as a Viking, Stuber said, “I’m just going to take as much opportunities as I can get and do the best I can in those moments.”
The Sea Wolves were formidable opponents, keeping the Vikings on their toes the entire time.
Even though they ended their second set with 21-25, they made up for it in the third and fourth sets.
The Vikings’ third set ended in a 25-13 win. Their fourth set was staggering, having the team's neck in neck.
Despite the continuous ties, they won the fourth set 28-26, the crowd and players erupting in cheer.
After their loss against the Saint Martin’s University Saints last Saturday, they took that experience and turned it around on Thursday.
“That was one of those games where we had something to learn from it and we made a point to really dive in and do that,” said Diane Flick-Williams, the Vikings head coach. “And then our team came out really well and applied those lessons to this game and became more of ourselves.”
In the end, the Vikings pulled through and won.
“There definitely were some battles out there that we had to face, but we just kept reconnecting with each other and letting each other know that we have each other’s back and that we’re going to stay attacking no matter what,” said Oestreich.
Max Rivas (he/they/it) is starting his first quarter at The Front as a Sports and Recreation reporter. He is in his second year at Western, majoring in Visual Journalism. In his spare time, you can find Max practicing his boxing skills or drawing in his sketchbook. You can reach him at maxrivas.thefront@gmail.com.
