EUGENE, Ore. — Walla Walla University women's volleyball fell to Bushnell University in straight sets Friday afternoon in Cascade Collegiate Conference action at the Morse Center. The Beacons used a strong offensive performance to secure the victory, 25-20, 25-18, 25-17.
Walla Walla (5-14, 5-12 CCC) was led by Sahara Browning, who recorded a match-high 15 kills and added 10 digs for a double-double. Olivia Cheek and Kylee Stinger each contributed 10 assists, while Keani Kahele and Cheek recorded two service aces apiece.
Bushnell (16-8, 11-6 CCC) finished with 42 kills and a .252 hitting percentage, compared to 28 kills and a .056 hitting percentage for the Wolves.
The Wolves opened the first set with a quick 2-0 lead behind a service ace from Cheek and a block by Kienna Stepper. Bushnell responded with a scoring run to take a 10-6 advantage, forcing a Walla Walla timeout. The Wolves continued to battle, cutting the deficit to one point at 16-15 following kills from Femke Eising and Browning. However, the Beacons responded with three consecutive points to regain control. Despite Walla Walla's efforts to stay within striking distance, Bushnell closed out the opening set 25-20.
In the second set, Walla Walla jumped ahead 4-2 behind consecutive kills from Browning and a service ace from Kahele. The Beacons responded with a 10-3 run to take a 12-7 lead. The Wolves refused to go away, using a pair of Browning kills and another service ace from Kahele to pull within one at 14-13. Walla Walla eventually tied the set at 16 following a kill from Stinger, but Bushnell answered with a 5-1 run to regain control. The Beacons closed out the set 25-18 to take a two-set advantage.
The third set featured another competitive start, with both teams exchanging points through the opening stages. Walla Walla took an 11-9 lead following a block by Alina Shawgo and Stepper, but Bushnell responded to regain the advantage. The Wolves continued to battle, tying the set at 14 before the Beacons pulled ahead 17-14. Back-to-back kills from Browning kept Walla Walla within striking distance at 18-17, but Bushnell closed the match on a 7-0 run to secure the 25-17 victory.
Browning led the Wolves offensively, finishing with a .257 hitting percentage on 35 attempts. Bianca Adams added eight digs, while Kahele and Stinger contributed six digs each.
Bushnell was led by Taya Blankenship, who finished with 13 kills and a .458 hitting percentage. Soleil Sands and Amyah Semau added seven kills apiece, while Carly Hanna and Emma Fa'alogo each recorded three service aces.
