FAIRBANKS, Alaska – The Alaska Nanooks volleyball team returns home this Thursday, Oct. 17 and Saturday, Oct. 19 to face the #2 ranked Western Washington Vikings and the Simon Fraser Clan on the Alaska Airlines Court at the Patty Center.
Last Time Out
The Alaska Nanooks took a trip to the Willamette Valley in Oregon last weekend. On Thursday, Oct. 10, Alaska defeated the Western Oregon Wolves in four sets, 3-1. Following their game in Monmouth, the Nanooks took Interstate-5 up to Portland, Ore. and faced off with Concordia University. At Concordia the 'Nooks dropped their second game of the GNAC schedule in a tough five-set loss to the Cavaliers.
Where to Watch
For the fans who are unable to make it to the volleyball games this weekend in Fairbanks, live stats and video will be available in the links above. Game day posts will also provide a link on the day of the
games and available stats as well.
Top-Ranked Team
The Western Washington University volleyball team enters Thursday's game, 16-0, 8-0 GNAC, riding a program best undefeated start and 16 game winning-streak. The Vikings are coming off of a national championship loss to Tampa and are looking for a return to the big dance.
Kayleigh Harper is the player to watch for the Vikings, as she enters the game with 170 kills on the season. She has recorded 23 kills in two separate games, and boasts a season attack percentage of .359.
The Vikings as a whole are coming off of two sweeps on their home court of Saint Martin's University and Seattle Pacific.
Canada's Finest
On Saturday, Oct. 19, the Nanooks will host the only NCAA-school based in Canada. Simon Fraser finds themselves just behind the 'Nooks in GNAC play, coming to town with a 9-7, 5-3 GNAC record. The Clan are also coming off of two wins against Saint Martin's (3-0) and Seattle Pacific (3-2).
Simon Fraser's top attacker is Sr., OH, Kirsten Pinkney who has 180 kills on the season, averaging 2.95 kills per set and 3.15 points per set. Right behind her is Betsie de Beer who has two less kills at 178, but holds a more efficient swing percentage at .249 and 2.97 kills per set.
Coaches Corner
Head coach
Brian Scott spoke highly about his team's upcoming opponents, "This week we have two very tough matches. We will need to execute at a very high level. These are two teams that you can't take a break for a single point. Both teams play excellent defense and we will have to be prepared for long rallies."
For more on the Alaska Nanooks volleyball team, follow @NanooksVB on Twitter, or like the Alaska Nanooks Volleyball team page on Facebook.
