Beavers Sweep Seattle in Home Opener; Active Ankle Challenge

Oregon State continues play in the Active Ankle Challenge facing Wisconsin first on Sunday at 7:00 p.m.

Salem-News.com Sports

CORVALLIS, Ore. - Junior Kiersten Sambrailo (Watsonville, Calif.) hit .500 with eight kills to lead the Oregon State volleyball team (4-1) to a sweep over Seattle (1-5) in the Beavers’ home opener on Sunday afternoon in set scores of 25-12, 25-15, 25-13. The match was the first for Oregon State in the Active Ankle Challenge.

“I think it was a good start to the tournament and to be able to go deep into our bench,” head coach Taras Liskevych said. “The key is showing our depth because of missing a pair from our lineup.”

Outside hitters senior Rachel Rourke (Queensland, Australia) and junior Jill Sawatzky (St. Andrews, Manitoba) both posted a match-high nine kills each, while Sambrailo was close behind with her eight. Freshman Camille Saxton (Balzac, Alberta) and senior Lexie Rathgeber (White Rock, British Columbia) added six and five kills.

The Beavers continued to improve on their blocking, posting 13.5 team blocks to Seattle’s two. And while Oregon State hit .272, the Redhawks were held to -.105 as a team.

Defensively, freshman libero Alyssa O’Neil (West Linn, Ore.) didn’t let a ball get past her, tallying 14 digs and adding a career-best three aces. Rourke led all defenders at the net with a season-best five blocks, while freshman Ashley Eneliko earned four, playing only in the final set.

Seattle’s offense was paced by Kaytlyn Dill and Cristin Richards with six kills each. Defensively, libero Emily Deleissegues dug a match-high 15 balls.

Oregon State continues play in the Active Ankle Challenge facing Wisconsin first on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. in legendary Gill Coliseum. Fans that bring their ticket stub from the Portland State football game to any session of the tournament will receive $2 admission.

Oregon State Notes – Oregon State is now 3-0 in three-set matches … Senior Bree Knitter missed the match due to being sick … Sophomore Betsy Devich was missing due to a family event … Oregon State set a new season high for blocks with 13.5 … Freshman Dianni Freeman set a new career high for digs with two … Freshman Alyssa O’Neil tied her career high for digs with 14; Set a new career best for aces with three … Freshman Camille Saxton tied her career high for kills with six and blocks with two … Junior Kiersten Sambrailo set a new career best for kills with eight, tying her best for points with 9.5 … Freshman Megan McBride tied her personal best for assists with three … Oregon State is now 2-0 all-time against Seattle.

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