Monday night, the Walla Walla University women's volleyball team took on the visiting Multnomah University Lions, in College Place, with the Wolves winning 3-0 (25-14, 25-9, 25-13). This was one of the stronger performances for Walla Walla on the season, with several players contributing to help the team win.
In the first set, the Freshmen Shanko twins, Lexi and Perri, each played well. Lexi had a kill to tie it up at 5, and from there the Wolves took off. Perri Shanko put together a series of service aces leading the Wolves to close out the first set 25-14. Perri ended up finishing with a game high eight service aces, to go along with four kills, and nine digs.The second set was a little more back and forth to begin, until Sophmore Middle Hitter, Melissa Barton came in with a block putting Walla Walla ahead 9-8. Coach Don Hekper was very complimentary of Barton afterwards saying that her play, "Is really peaking at the right time of the season. She was huge for us tonight." Barton finished with a solo block, as well as two block assists, fortifying the defensive side of the net.
The Wolves had contributions from a variety of players in the third set. RS Freshman Michaela Garcia had a couple good looks leading to kills, as did Freshman Rylee Sutton whose kill put the wolves ahead 18-9, before finishing it off 25-13.
Freshmen Lauren Bosler led the team with 10 assists. The outside hitting duo of Sophomore Maria Darling, and Freshman Lauren Barlow each had a team high six kills. The Wolves will return to action next Monday night at 7pm in College Place when they take on Blue Mountain Community College in a scrimmage.
