Cougar volleyball finds its way back home

After six road games in two states, WSU will play in Pullman

Then-junior+setter+Ashley+Brown+serves+the+ball+against+the+University+of+Southern+California+on+Oct.+19+in+Bohler+Gym.

BENJAMIN MICHAELIS | DAILY EVERGREEN FILE

Then-junior setter Ashley Brown serves the ball against the University of Southern California on Oct. 19 in Bohler Gym.

SHAYNE TAYLOR, Evergreen reporter

WSU will host Liberty University, Idaho State and University of Texas at Arlington for the Cougar Challenge this weekend in Bohler Gym.

WSU (5-1) will open its play against Idaho State (3-4) at noon on Friday, and later UT Arlington (4-2) at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, the Cougars will face Liberty (4-2) at 3 p.m.

In a press conference Tuesday, head coach Jen Greeny said she is impressed with the way some of the young players, like redshirt sophomore Charity Bradley, an outside hitter, have stepped up.

“Charity Bradley was fantastic for the weekend,” Greeny said. “For somebody that hasn’t had a whole lot of playing time in the past, she did a really nice job and it was super consistent.”

Greeny said communication is going to be key for the games this weekend. She said she knows it will be loud in Bohler and is prepared to make changes needed in order to come away with three wins.

The teams needs to improve on blocking, Greeny said.

“We have been such a good blocking team the last few years,” Greeny said.

Four out of five victories have been 3-0. WSU is going into the Cougar Challenge with its wins coming against James Madison, Stony Brook, Utah State, University of Portland, and Idaho. The only defeat was WSU’s second game of the season against University of Iowa.

Idaho State is on a three-game losing streak going into the game. UT Arlington is coming off a loss in its last game but had a three-game win streak prior. Liberty has won its last four contests, three of which were sweeps.

Liberty and UT Arlington will play first in the Cougar Challenger at 10 a.m. Friday in Bohler Gym.