BY RYAN ROGERS, Staff Reporter

The Central Washington University volleyball team rebounded from a heartbreaking loss on Thursday night to defeat the Seattle Pacific University Falcons in three straight sets (25-23, 25-17, 28-26) in a Great Northwest Athletic Conference match on Saturday night.

The Wildcats (13-10 overall, 9-6 GNAC) moved into fourth place in the GNAC. The win over Seattle Pacific (12-10 overall, 8-6 GNAC) gives Central a half-game lead over the Falcons in the GNAC standings.

“We responded well after Thursday’s loss (to Montana State Billings),” head coach Mario Andaya said.  “It was kind of a long trip even though we made it home on Friday.”

Sophomore outside hitter and middle blocker Linden Firethorne led the Wildcats with 15 kills in the match. Sophomore middle blocker Kaitlin Quirk was second on the team with 10 kills.

Seniors middle blocker Erin Smith and outside hitter Emmy Dolan each had seven kills for the Wildcats.

“Even though fatigue can set in, we came in with good energy,” Andaya said.  “We executed our game plan so I’m pleased with that.”

The first set of the match was back and forth throughout.  Finally Dolan scored the kill on match point to give Central the first set 25-23.

In the second set the Wildcats jumped out to an early 6-0 lead but the Falcons came back to tie the set at 13-13.  Central then outscored SPU 12-4 to take the second set.

The Falcons had set point in the third but the Wildcats fought back to win the third set 28-26 and win the match in straight sets.

Andaya was very pleased with his team’s effort in the Emerald City on Saturday.

“Our defense kept pressure on them,” Andaya said.  “We were patient with our reach and we dug the ball really well.”

Central’s next game is also on the road.  The Wildcats head to Nampa, Idaho on Oct. 16 to take on Northwest Nazarene (11-4 GNAC, 15-6 Overall), who is currently in third place in the conference.