After an impressive four-game winning streak, the Cougs are back in Bohler to take on No. 15 Stanford and California.

In their last four matches, the Cougs have not allowed an opponent to win a single set. 

For the second time this season, junior middle blocker Magda Jehlarova was named the Pac-12 defensive player of the week with her impressive four matches. Jehlarova was also named Player of the Match in two out of the four road matches this last week. 

The Cougs did also beat their second-ranked opponent in their fourth and final road match. The Cougs beat the Oregon Ducks 3-0. The Ducks were ranked No. 13 at the time. 

WSU finally made the AVCA Coaches Poll this week coming in at No. 22. 

With a junior outside hitter Pia Timmer and Jehlarova taking turns with big offensive and defensive plays, the Cougs kept the momentum on their side of the court for all four matches. 

After a rather rough start to the season, the Cougs have seemed to finally found their rhythm with a few losses, but for the most part, the Cougs have turned their season around. 

The Cougs do not currently have a great record against Stanford. WSU has lost the last seven matches when playing the Cardinal. The last time the Cougs played Stanford, they lost 3-0. WSU is looking to change that this weekend. 

For Stanford, redshirt sophomore outside hitter Caitie Baird was named the Pac-12 offensive player of the week. Baird had a hitting percentage of .410 in Stanford’s last match against Utah. Baird also had 17 kills and four blocks. Against Colorado, Baird had 14 kills and a hitting average of .414. 

Jehlarova was also named defensive player of the week for her impressive defensive presence in the match against Oregon and Oregon State. Jehlarova had a combined 15 blocks. This is her fifth Pac-12 player of the week award. 

The Cougs take on the Cardinal in Bohler at 6 p.m. on Friday. 

WSU is also playing No. 17 UCLA this weekend, who is currently 13-3 on the season. 

In their last match against the Utes, the California Golden Bears fell to the No. 17 ranked team. Sophomore Lydia Grote had recorded a new high of 21 kills. Grote has proven to be a solid player for the Bears. 

Cal is currently 7-12 on the season and 0-8 in the Pac-12. They are also on a nine-game losing streak. 

WSU is in an interesting spot. They control their own destiny in the Pac-12 and their road to the NCAA tournament. 

Catch the Cougs on the Pac-12 Network at 6 p.m Friday as they take on Stanford. Keep up with the Cougs as they play the Cal Golden Bears on the WSU Athletics’ website at noon on Sunday.