The two programs rebuilding the Pac-12 brand will face off as WCC foes for the first time in volleyball Thursday. The Cougs host the Beavers with the ability to continue their strong start to conference play.
WSU (10-5, 5-1 WCC) hosts OSU (4-11, 2-3) after their reverse sweep of Saint Mary’s. From a potential 3-3 record in conference play, WSU sits at 5-1 and tied with LMU atop the standings.
Beginning the preseason projected to finish sixth in the conference, Wazzu has quickly exceeded expectations off the back of impressive comebacks and gritty wins.
The Cougs were upset by the Beavers in their last meeting in 2023, but still have the all-time advantage between the two programs. Winners of 10 of the last 11 and at a time holding a five-year winning streak, WSU is 50-26 in the all-time series.
For their upcoming matchup, Katy Ryan and Lucie Blažková will be integral to a win for the Cougs. Both are coming off weekly awards in the conference as Ryan won WCC Player of the Week and Blažková won WCC Freshman of the Week.
In the two wins over Pacific and Saint Mary’s, Ryan had 46 kills and hit .471% while Blažková tallied 15 kills and 13 blocks in the wins.
Ryan, a preseason WCC Preseason Team member, has been everything as advertised. Following her impressive week, she moved up to fourth in the conference in kills per set (3.48) and fourth in points per set (3.95).
Joining Ryan and Blažková as difference makers are players such as Breccan Scheck, Emma Barbero, Italia Bernal and Sage Brustad.
Scheck is seventh in the WCC in hitting percentage, Barbero is second in digs per set, Bernal is sixth in assists per set and Brustad is first in service aces per set and sixth in points per set.
Since WCC play started, the Cougs are atop the conference in points per set, partially because of their 5-1 record and partially because in the sets they lose, they still play close.
After failing to win the Pac-12 Conference, the first year as WCC affiliate members has quickly become a booming opportunity for the Cougs to capture conference glory.
WSU and OSU will battle for bragging rights in the Pac-2 with additional stakes in WCC play at 7 p.m. Thursday in Bohler Gym.
