FAIRBANKS - The Alaska Nanooks volleyball team sealed their first home conference win of the season on Thursday night, taking on the Saints of Saint Martin's and extending their win streak to 10. The 'Nooks are now 12-1, 3-0 GNAC.
The Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) is always a competitive conference, and this season is no different.
Running the Replay
Upon the first eight points of the first set, it was made clear that this match was only going to further prove the competitiveness of the GNAC. Momentum swung back and forth between the two teams, with scrappy plays all around. Pancakes, deep-corner crossing digs and wall-building blocks were seen by both sides, making for an exciting atmosphere at the Alaska Airlines Gymnasium.
By the first timeout, the Saints led 13-9, putting up a strong defensive wall at the net. Immediately following the whistle, the 'Nooks came out firing, seen through a Presley Engelauf and Cynphany Henderson connection, finding a first-ball side-out. While the 'Nooks battled to maintain any momentum gained after the timeout, the Saints ultimately took the first set 25-20.
If there was one word to describe the second set for the Nanooks, it would be toolbox. Leading the 'Nooks off for the first point of the set was senior captain, Elena Guc with a textbook draw-back tip, finding the SMU side with ease. The team followed suit for the entire rest of the set, using every shot in the book, finding every deep corner and line opportunity given to them. Solid all the way around, the 'Nooks defensive effort never failed, a charge led by junior libero Tessa Onaga who led with 21 digs on the night. The 'Nooks capped off the second set 25-15.
By 11-8 in the third set, the gym was electric, feeding junior middle Peri Hoshock as she served not one, not two, but three aces and led the 'Nooks to a 15-8 lead. After forcing another Saints timeout, the third set victory was in sight for the team in blue. Guc demonstrated her clear seniority on the right-side, finding an additional three kills down the line. With her help, the Nanooks claimed the third.
As the night drew to a close, it was clear that the fight wasn't over yet for the Saints. While the 'Nooks put up a commanding lead at the start, the Saints battled back to tighten the point gap, making for an exciting final set. The middle blocker connections with both Henderson and Ainsley Smith were undeniable. With those connections the 'Nooks were able to distribute the ball to all hitters, clearing the way for Guc to have a day, ending the night with 14 kills, earning herself Player of the Match and leading her team to a 26-24 win in the fourth set.
By the Numbers
- Cynphany Henderson neared a triple-double on the night, registering 30 assists, 19 digs, and seven kills kills, proving her to be a player to watch as we continue through conference play.
- Elena Guc and Presley Engelauf led the offensive charge with 14 and 10 kills respectively, assisted by Ainsley Smith's 17 assists and Henderson's 30.
- Tessa Onaga ran the back court, tallying 21 digs and proving her worth as a two-time GNAC Defensive Player of the Week for the 2025 season.
- Onaga is currently on pace to beat a Nanooks Volleyball program record of 4.74 digs/set set by Tiffani Pulver in 1997, as she has an average of 4.78 digs/set.
What's Next
The Nanooks take on Western Oregon on Saturday with first serve at 2:00 p.m. WOU lost to the University of Alaska Anchorage on Thursday night in four sets, so wear your blue and gold, get to the Patty early and be loud!
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