SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – The Seattle Pacific University women's volleyball team opened its 2026 season against CUI at the Yotes Classic Showcase on Thursday evening, where the Falcons responded well after dropping the first set to beat the Golden Eagles 3-1 (15-25, 25-20, 25-21, 25-21).
FROM THE COACH
"Really proud of how the team responded," head coach
Jason Rhine said. "We came out tight for sure but had individual moments in the first set and second set which allowed us to build up to the aggressive style of play that we have been working hard to execute well."
"Audra had a fantastic match, contributing with big kills and blocks and also key runs from the service line," Rhine added. "Closing out set three was huge after a back-and-forth set. A statement game for her in her move back to the middle position this year."
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Falcons were victims of an early onslaught from the Golden Eagles, as CUI opened the match with a 12-1 run before taking the first set 25-15.
- Audra Rose had a strong first set for the Falcons, leading the group with four kills.
- The Falcons responded well in the second set, jumping out to a 12-5 lead early.
- The Golden Eagles pulled to within three of the Falcons, but a 6-4 run from SPU gave them a 25-20 set victory to even the match 1-1.
- Joselyn Greff tied CUI's Livia Eyre with a set-high six kills for the Falcons.
- The Falcons and Golden Eagles were tied 15 times in the second set, with neither team gaining an edge over the other.
- The third set was tied at 20 when Rose went on a tear, recording consecutive kills and aces to put the Falcons one point away from earning the set win.
- Brooke Williams ended the third set with a kill, as the Falcons took it 25-21 and had a 2-1 lead in the match.
- The Falcons led 20-19 in what would be the final set of the match before closing it out with a 5-2 run that gave them a 25-21 set victory and a 3-1 match win.
- Grace Holstrom helped the Falcons shut the door on the Golden Eagles, picking up two kills during the final run.
- Peyton Ensign ended the match with an ace.
FROM THE BOX SCORE
- The Falcons finished the match with 47 kills and a .278 hitting percentage.
- SPU thrived in the second set, smashing home 11 kills on a .435 hitting percentage
- The Falcons shined from behind the service line with 10 aces to six from the Golden Eagles.
- SPU's defense was stout with 10 blocks compared to five from CUI.
- Rose was excellent with a .600 hitting percentage and 10 kills, while adding five aces and four total blocks.
- Greff led the Falcons with 12 kills while adding six kills and one assist.
- Maiya Lester was strong with 10 kills on an impressive .381 hitting percentage.
- Sophia Chambers led the Falcons with 18 assists, while Ensign added 13 assists of her own.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- Rose had a career-high 17.5 points for the Falcons in their season-opening victory over CUI.
- She also had a career-high five aces in Thursday's victory over the Golden Eagles.
UP NEXT
The Falcons continue at the Yotes Classic Showcase with two matches tomorrow. SPU takes on RV Cal Poly Pomona at noon, followed by a match against the 25
th-ranked hosts, Cal State San Bernardino.
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