FAIRBANKS - The Alaska Nanooks volleyball team extended their win streak to 11 on Saturday afternoon, earning the win against the wolves of Western Oregon University. The thrilling four set victory now bumps the 'Nooks record to 13-1, 4-0 GNAC.

Running the Replay
The best teams are refined under pressure, and the first set of this victory was a testament to that. From the beginning, the 'Nooks battled with the Wolves, trading off massive blocks from both sides. By 11-10, Presley Engelauf and Elena Guc were making a statement at the net, shutting down almost every WOU hitting opportunity. The 'Nooks fed hot-hitting Cynphany Henderson as the set reached critical points, but the Wolves' fight for momentum ultimately proved too strong for the team in blue, black and gold to overcome. The set ended 22-25. 

By the second set, the 'Nooks were refined and shined. The team came out blazing, under the commanding presence of Elizabeth Jackson, who made a clear impact in the front and back court. The 'Nooks took an immediate lead after Jackson dropped a sharp and sneaky tip into zone two, swinging the momentum homeward. By 13-8, the 'Nooks lead was charged by an Engelauf and Haylee Lyons block, which landed in WOU's backcourt, forcing a Wolves timeout. The Alaska Airlines gymnasium erupted in applause at set-point, which only got louder at the sight of a perfect Jackson dig, which led to a Henderson kill, assisted by Ainsley Smith. With that, the second set was won, and the 'Nooks momentum only grew.

The Nanooks were on a high going into the third set, putting up quick-tempo plays that proved difficult for the WOU defense. The 'Nooks back line laid the foundation of the plays, led by Tessa Onaga who ended the night with 12 digs. Jackson proved unstoppable, serving three aces in the third, with two of those aces occurring during critical points. The set was taken in a a quick fashion, ending with a score of 25-16. 

In their final set, the 'Nooks were determined to finish strong, and they did so with the help of Larissa Barreiros Scatamburlo, who broke apart the Wolves' defense at every opportunity. In their first sideout after an eight point run from the 'Nooks, the Wolves fought for points at the back line, serving aggressively to earn three points of their own. Their run was then broken after an monstrous Guc line kill to swing momentum back home. The 'Nooks lead was then extended to 11 after a stuff block from Jackson who helped bring the win home, 25-17. 

By the Numbers

• Haylee Lyons led the Nanooks in kills with 13, alongside Elena Guc who registered 12 of her own. 
• Elizabeth Jackson proved herself lethal on both the net and the end-line, finishing the night with six aces and four blocks. Presley Engelauf led the net defensive effort, finding six blocks of her own. 
• Three Nanooks found themselves in double-digits for digs, Henderson and Tessa Onaga picked up 12 respectively, alongside Lyons 10. 
• Ainsley Smith dished out 19 assists on the night, followed closely by Henderson with 18. 

What's Next
The Nanooks are staying home this week in preparation to face in-state rivals, the University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolves. The game is set to take place on Thursday, October 2 at 7:00 p.m. The team is looking to pack the Patty Center with goals of 1000 fans, so wear white and don't miss the biggest game of the season yet!

Follow the 'Nooks
IG - @NanooksVB
X - @NanooksVB
FB - Alaska Nanooks Volleyball