A laser of a spike off the hand of Magda Jehlárová hits off a UW defender and hits the ground. A record-breaking sold-out crowd erupts as the No. 25 ranked Cougs take down their arch-rivals in a sweep to take both matches in the 2022 volleyball Apple Cup. 

Pure electricity. In that fateful Apple Cup matchup, as well as the big five-set win against the then-No. 12 ranked Oregon Ducks earlier in the season, the crowd played a huge factor. When Bohler Gym is packed, there is not much that can match the intensity of its fans. 

With the recently announced 2023 schedule, there are several matches that will see fans lining up to fill Bohler for and to carry the same abundant energy from the big 2022 wins. There are also two road matches that hold large implications in setting the tone for the rest of the season. 

No. 5 – @ Louisville 

Beginning their season with a huge matchup, WSU heads east to take on the runner-up of the 2022 NCAA Tournament. Both teams will be looking to set the tone for their season, but one is on upset watch. 

Hosting and coming off a year where they fell just short, the Cougs taking down Louisville is far from what the Cardinals want, but it is something in the realm of possibility. The Cougs are in line for a fantastic season, and this matchup is one of many that they have marked down to make sure they do. 

No. 4 – @ Texas 

To end the non-Conference schedule, the Cougs take on the 2022 NCAA Champions. Texas returns a lot of talent from their Championship-winning team and being on the road will certainly pose a challenge for the Cougs. 

WSU only lost one player from their 2022 team. Alongside new additions and experience, they look to give any team in the country a run for their money. 

There is no better way to prove you are a legit contender than to take down the reigning champs in their own territory. It is nearly a win-win for the team as well. As long as they put up a fight, they will have an entire Conference schedule to work on things that Texas was able to counter. 

No. 3 – vs. Oregon 

Choosing between the matchup of Oregon and Stanford was a difficult decision, as both made it to the Elite 8 of the 2022 NCAA Tournament. But, having defeated the then-No. 12 ranked Ducks at home last season, momentum is on the Cougs’ side.

Despite not playing in last year’s matchup, setter Hannah Pukis likely will remain on the roster and fans anticipate seeing her play back in Pullman following her transfer. Missing last season’s match did not put out the flame that is Cougs fan, making this year’s matchup enticing, especially given its Friday night, 7 p.m. start. 

No. 2 – vs. BYU

Likely one of the biggest non-Conference home matches in WSU program history. The battle for the best Coug. The Cougs and the Cougs will battle it out on a fateful Friday night in front of a hopefully-packed crowd at the newly renovated Bohler Gym. 

Coming early in the season, it is the toughest opponent the Cougs will take on at home prior to beginning their Conference schedule, giving fans a taste of what the season will look like better than their matches against Lousiville and Texas. 

No. 1 – vs. Washington 

A home match against the Huskies always will be the most anticipated of any season in any sport, volleyball is no different. After being swept in 2022, the Huskies will come to Pullman looking for revenge, but WSU will be ready. 

The bout with UW is the first of the Conference schedule and will come directly after the Cougs take on Baylor and Texas, meaning they will be well-warmed up with tough competition and likely be in their best form. 

If the Huskies are not careful, this match will quickly become a rehashing of 2022, a sweep for the Cougs.