Cougar volleyball faces Arizona for second time this season
WSU will battle to keep four game win streak in Bohler Gym on Friday
BENJAMIN MICHAELIS | DAILY EVERGREEN FILE
Junior setter Ashley Brown high-fives her teammates during the introduction of the starting lineup before the game against University of California, Los Angeles, on Oct. 21 in Bohler Gym.
November 1, 2018
No. 18 WSU volleyball will take on No. 21 University of Arizona in a rematch of what was a thrilling comeback by the Cougars earlier this season.
In the previous matchup with Arizona, the Cougars were down 2-0 to start. WSU would claw its way back in the third set and for the rest of the match the Cougars would be in control. WSU will look to learn from its earlier mistakes to secure the victory in Bohler Gym on Friday.
The Cougars are currently 17-5 with an 8-4 record in conference play. While there was a level of inconsistency within the volleyball team to start conference play, the Cougars are currently on a four-game winning streak and seem to be clicking on all cylinders.
Head Coach Jen Greeny said there have been changes with the Cougars’ game play this season.
“This is a little bit different Washington State team than we’ve had in the past,” Greeny said. “We’ve been known for our blocking and now we’re playing some great defense.”
One unexpected occurrence this season has been the absence of senior outside hitter Taylor Mims. With one of the leading hitters out, several other players have stepped up to fill the missing role.
Sophomore outside hitter Penny Tusa has been one of the players who has helped fill the void. Tusa was named the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week for the week of Oct. 22 after an impressive outing against both University of Colorado and University of Utah.
Greeny said she is impressed with Tusa’s ability to step up and fill in anywhere the Cougars need her.
“I probably can’t say enough about [Tusa],” Greeny said. “She’s absolutely willing to do anything for this team. It doesn’t matter what position, what her role is, she just wants to make this team better.”
When discussing the challenges of game planning against the upcoming Arizona teams, Greeny said it is hard to stop the Wildcats’ offense.
“They have some great weapons, pretty dynamic offensively and they serve well,” Greeny said.
WSU will face Arizona at 7 p.m. Friday in Bohler Gym. The game can also be seen on the WSU livestream.
