With only two weeks remaining in the regular season, the Central volleyball team’s next four games couldn’t get any more important.

Central’s next two games are at home against Saint Martin’s University and Seattle Pacific University, both are in the bottom half of the GNAC Standings.

Last week, Central split its games in Alaska, defeating the University of Alaska (UA) 3-1 and losing to co-conference leader the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) 3-2.

Senior outside hitter Linden Firethorne had 14 kills in the win against UA. Junior outside hitter Kiah Jones added 12 kills, and senior setter Catie Fry dished out 36 assists.

“We were spreading the offense really well, and the [middle blockers] were really active and that gave me a lot of good looks,” Jones said. “And as always, Catie Fry was on it.”

Jones believes that Fry is the glue to the team.

“She is like the quarterback,” Jones said. “She is constantly working to give us good looks as hitters and working with different types of passes. She is a really good emotional leader as well.”

Jones’ 12 kills against UA increased her season total to 169. She credits her success to the team.

“Being in an environment with a team that is really supportive and that is really giving good feedback,” Jones said. “Building you up when you’re not playing well and celebrating with you when you are playing well. There is nothing better to build your confidence than your teammates.”

Central improved their record to 17-6 overall and 13-3 in GNAC play with the win against UA.

Central is currently in third place in the GNAC, behind powerhouses UAA and Western Washington University, who both have a record of 14-2.

With only four games left, Central sits one game out of first place.

“We never give up on anything,” Fry said. “We are always ready to play no matter who it is and just try and win out the rest of the season.”

Of the team’s four remaining games, three are against opponents that are in the bottom half of the standings, but on Tuesday, Nov. 17 the Wildcats matchup against Northwest Nazarene University, who is one game behind Central in the GNAC standings, with a 12-4 conference record.

Central will enjoy three of their final four games in front of their home crowd.

“It is always nice to have people that are rooting for you and not against you,” Fry said. “Playing at home is comfortable and we practice here almost everyday.”

For Fry, it doesn’t matter who the opponent is, every game is big from here on out.

“Every single game that we play is a playoff game,” Fry said. “It is another team in our way on the journey to get to the postseason. We take every single game very seriously.”

Fry has 660 assists on the season so far.

For Fry, there would be nothing bigger than to be GNAC Champions in her final year in crimson and black.

“It would be awesome,” Fry said. “To go out with a bang would be really cool.”