WSU Surprises No. 4 Ucla Cougar Volleyball Team Defeats Bruins For First Time In History

Washington State Cougars volleyball coach Cindy Fredrick probably still can’t get any sleep. Let’s face it, it’s just not every day that WSU defeats UCLA.

In front of 2,560 fans at Bohler Gym, the No. 16 Cougars upset the fourth-ranked Bruins for the first time in the school’s history. WSU won 15-3, 15-9, 12-15, 15-13.

WSU also beat Southern California Friday night at Pullman. It’s the first time WSU has swept the Southern California powers in a weekend series.

WSU’s Sarah Silvernail had 14 kills, 10 digs and five blocks in Saturday’s win.

The Cougars blew UCLA out of the gate early and jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first game. The Cougars lost the third game after a 12-all tie, but broke from a 13-all tie in the decider, with freshman Jennifer Stinson’s tip providing a crucial point.

WSU sophomore setter Stephanie Papke had 42 assists from her position in addition to 10 kills. The Cougars also got 11 kills and 10 digs from sophomore Keren Oigman.

If there were any questions about a perceived lack of experience on the WSU team (12 of 14 players are freshman or sophomores), the Cougars certainly answered many of those questions this weekend.

“There’s a lot of team cohesiveness out there. There’s a lot of ability by everyone to put the ball away,” Fredrick said.

Still… “the only thing I can say is that we should have done it in three. We’ll take three, four or five, but I sure didn’t want to go five.”

, DataTimes