The Weber State University women’s volleyball team is riding a three-match winning streak after defeating Big Sky foes the Idaho Vandals, Eastern Washington Eagles and the Idaho State Bengals.
Weber State took their first conference loss to Northern Arizona on Sept. 22 and had a bounce back win last Thursday night over the 2-2 Vandals, three sets to one.
After a huge win over the conference favored Vandals, WSU squared off against the struggling Eastern Washington Eagles.
The Cats’ started off strong in the first set jumping out to an early 12—4 lead and never looked back, defeating the Eagles in set one 25—13.
Weber State was led by their sophomores Rylin Roberts and Ashlyn Power. With a young team, the Wildcats are elated for the road ahead.
“As long as we come in with the right passion, purpose and effort then we can always get better and improve,” junior Megan Gneiting said, who had 14 kills and three aces during the game. “We went out with a lot of intensity and were ready to compete.”
The Cats’ maintained the intensity throughout the game, wrapping up set two, 25—14 and set three, 25—13.
Junior, Helena Khouri finished with 10 digs and three assists.
“We were able to stay consistent and play together,” explained Khouri. “The main thing is that we stay focused. We adjust our practices to the team we get ready to play.”
Weber State’s women volleyball alumna were recognized between set two and three.
Former Weber State athlete, Thamires Cavalcanti shares a common place in her heart with Khouri. Both were born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and both played as the libero for Weber State.
Cavalcanti played for the ’Cats’ from 2014 to 2017 and supports the girls at every home game she can make it to.
“It’s exciting; it’s nice to see how the girls are doing now and watching their progress,” Cavalcanti said. “Focus on the process, not the outcome, and keep working hard.”
On Tuesday night the Wildcats traveled north to take on the Idaho State Vandals. The Vandals entered the night in sole possession of first place win.
The Wildcats jumped out to a two-set-lead before going to break, after going into extras in the second set.
The Bengals took the third set from the Wildcats and avoided the three-set-sweep, but the ’Cats proved to be too much for Idaho State taking set four 25—21.
Khouri had an impressive night leading both teams in digs with 22.
“I’m so happy for our women,” head coach Jeremiah Larsen said. “I have the utmost respect for Idaho State’s program. Getting a win in Pocatello is a huge thing for our program and players.”
The Weber State Wildcats are now 4-1 in conference play and tied for first place. Their next game is against the second place Northern Colorado Bears at the Swenson Gym on Saturday at 7 p.m.
