Central’s volleyball team returns home after a successful trip to Oregon, where they toppled Western Oregon University and Concordia University.

Central beat Western Oregon 3-0 and had a thrilling comeback on Saturday night against Concordia to win 3-2.

Central lost the first two sets against Concordia, but battled back for the victory.

Linden Firethorne led Central’s comeback with 16 kills. Kiah Jones added 15 and Sabrina Wheelhouse tacked on another 13 kills. Kaitlin Quirk led Central with 10 blocks.

Central improved their record to 9-4 overall and 5-1 in GNAC play.

The Wildcats will return to Nicholson Pavilion to play the University of Alaska Fairbanks on Thursday night and the University of Anchorage Alaska on Saturday.

Firethorne, senior outside hitter, leads Central with 180 kills this season. In 2014, she was an All-GNAC First Team honoree.

Catie Fry, senior setter and team captain, has dished out 540 assists this season.

Central’s biggest strength has came near the net. They lead the GNAC in total team blocks with 157, and are the only team that averages over three blocks per set.

Quirk and Wheelhouse are the team’s leading blockers, and sit near the top of the GNAC. Quirk is tied for first place with 73 blocks. Wheelhouse is fourth in the conference with 67.

Alaska Fairbanks, 2-11 overall and 2-4 in GNAC play, has had a tough season so far. However, the team is coming off of wins against Saint Martin’s University and Seattle Pacific University.

Senior Sam Harthun and Freshman Amberly Jeane will lead the attack for Alaska Fairbanks against Central. So far, Harthun has 177 kills and Jeane has 113.

Alaska Anchorage, 14-0 overall and 6-0 in GNAC play, has been unstoppable this season.

Their All-American senior outside hitter, Katelynn Zanders, has led the charge to their perfect 14-0 record. Zanders has a GNAC leading 194 kills on the season.

Senior right side hitter Julia Mackey has 154 kills and freshman outside hitter

Leah Swiss has added 131.

With Alaska Anchorage coming to Ellensburg with a perfect record, Central has the opportunity to give them their first loss on the season.

“Every game is really big for us,” Fry said. “We try to prepare the best that we can. Every team is a threat. The GNAC is one of the best Conferences in the Country. Every team can beat any team, and we are definitely ready.”

Even though both Alaska schools have different records, it doesn’t change how Central prepares for the game.

“We prepare the same for any team,” Fry said. “No matter who they are.”

Fry said this year’s team has the ability to persevere.

“Playing with your best friends every single day is obviously fun,” Fry said. “But it can be wearing sometimes everyday, but we have fun together and without each other it would be a lot harder.”

Central plays Alaska Fairbanks on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m., and Alaska Anchorage on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.