By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

MONMOUTH, ORE. -- Western Oregon University achieved 18 kills in the first set to gain momentum, and the Wolves went on to defeat Willamette University, 3-0, in a non-conference volleyball match on Wednesday, Sept. 12. The Wolves downed the Bearcats, 25-12, 25-18, 27-25.

With the victory, Western Oregon, a member of NCAA Division II, upped its record to 6-2 on the season. Willamette, which competes in NCAA Division III, dropped to 2-5.

Willamette connected for a solid .192 team hitting percentage in the first set with seven kills, just two errors and 26 total attacks, but the Bearcats couldn't overcome WOU's offensive success.

Western Oregon produced a .484 hitting percentage in the first set. The Wolves cooled down to a .290 hitting percentage in the second set and hit .275 in the third set.

Danielle Reese led WOU with 15 kills and 11 digs, while tying for the team lead with four service aces. Becky Blees added eight kills, no attacking errors and a .615 hitting percentage, while Hannah Deede and Cherene O'Hara contributed seven kills apiece.

Two setters, split the assists for the Wolves, as LesLyne Satele finished with 22 and Jordin Ramos earned 19. Western Oregon ended the match with 46 kills and 43 digs.

Danica Reed (Sr., OH, Arvada, CO/Ralston Valley HS) topped Willamette's offensive stats with eight kills. She attained a .250 hitting percentage. Madison Leenstra (Sr., MH/OH, Bellingham, WA/Sehome HS) tacked on seven kills and also claimed a .250 hitting percentage.

Emily Compton (Sr., S, Portola, CA/Portola HS/Boise State Univ.) provided 22 assists for the Bearcats. Kathy Lee Glenn (Sr., LIB/DS, Murrieta, CA/Vista Murrieta HS) led both teams with 17 digs.

The first set was tied 3-3 after six rallies, but Western Oregon took control with a 11-1 run that ended with eight consecutive points for the Wolves. Willamette was unable to recover, as WOU surged to a 25-12 win.

WU held a 3-1 advantage in the second set after scoring three straight points. The Wolves countered with a 6-0 run for a 7-3 lead. Western Oregon also led 11-5 after a kill by O'Hara and owned a 17-10 margin following a kill by Samantha Ward. The Wolves won the set, 25-18.

In the third set, Western led 6-3. The Bearcats pulled within a single point at 7-6 and trailed by just one point seven more times before eventually tying the score at 19-19 on a service ace by Kirsten Brehmer (Jr., MH/OPP, Evergreen, CO/Evergreen HS).

Several rallies later, Willamette took a 22-21 lead when Ward committed an attacking error. WU extended the margin to 23-21 on a kill by Reed, but WOU earned the next two points to tie the score.

Another kill by Reed gave the Bearcats a 24-23 edge. Reese responded with a kill to tie the score again. The Wolves took a 25-24 led on an attacking error by Willamette, only to have the Bearcats fend off a match point when Shannon Waltz (Jr., MH, Honolulu, HI/La Pietra High School) pounded down a kill.

Reese answered with back-to-back kills to conclude the match, as WOU took the third set, 27-25.

Willamette will open Northwest Conference play on Friday, Sept. 14 at archrival Linfield College in McMinnville, Ore. Match time is slated for 7 p.m. (PDT). The Bearcats will play their home opener on Saturday, Sept. 15 against NWC opponent Pacific University. The action is scheduled to get underway at 7 p.m. (PDT) at Cone Field House.