Shockers Sweep Wolfpack in NCAA First Round

Lincoln, Neb. ? The Wichita State Shockers defeated Nevada 3-0 (30-16, 30-24, 30-20) in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament at the NU Coliseum in Lincoln, Neb., on Friday. The Shockers (25-5) will face the winner of the match between top-seeded Nebraska and Iona in second-round action Saturday at 7 p.m. (CST).

Jen Ray finished with a game-high 10 kills for Wichita State, which was making its NCAA Tournament debut. Sara Younes and Darci Vohs tallied eight kills for the Shockers, who hit .319 for the match. Younas also recorded six of the Shockers' eight aces.

Salaia Salave’a led Nevada (21-10) with nine kills as the Wolfpack was held to .118 hitting for the match. The Wolf Pack are now winles in four NCAA Tournament appearances.

In game one, Wichita State jumped out to a quick 7-2 advantage and enjoyed a comfortable lead for the rest of the game as Nevada was never able to pull any closer than within four points. Leading 22-16, Younes stepped to the service line for the Shockers and recorded five aces - including the final point - in closing out the Wolfpack, 30-16.

The teams went back-and-forth in game two before WSU grabbed control of the game and the match. With the game tied at 11-11, Wichita State won five of the next six points before Nevada closed the gap to 16-14 on kills by Salave’a and Vohs. The Shockers responded and extended their lead to 26-20 before claiming game two, 30-24.

Wichita State carried its momentum over to game three, where the Shockers jumped out to an early lead and never looked back in the 30-20 win. Nevada was held to .097 hitting in the game, while WSU hit at a .348 mark in cruising to the victory.

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Head Coach Devin Scruggs

Opening Statement

I want to give credit to WichitaState for a fantastic match.  We were prepared but we didn’t execute. 

 

On responding after the first game

I tried to calm them down after that first match.  Serving took us out of the game.  (WichitaState’s) Sara Younes has a phenomenal serve.

 

On the difference in the game

The biggest difference in the game was serving and passing.  It was probably the biggest reason we weren’t able to run our offense and they were able to run there’s.

 

On making the NCAA Tournament with a young roster

Playing in these matches is critical for all of these seniors.  But, we are looking forward to the future. 

 

Salaia Salave’a

On this year’s NCAA Tournament

This tournament was a lot more intense than in the past.  We knew what were going into but we weren’t prepared well enough.

 

On how WichitaState’s tough serving affected her

Our passing broke down.  I started off slow, and tried to recover but couldn’t do it.

 

Carly Sorensen

On the game

I came into this game overly excited.  I wasn’t able to do what I wanted to do tonight.  It is unfortunate, but we are coming back next year, which is very exciting.

 

Wichita State Shockers Quotes

Head Coach Chris Lamb

On the match

I was very excited for our first trip to the NCAA Tournament and to get the win.  I feel like our program has taken strides.  We didn't have a lot of information on Nevada, but I thought our scouting report was right on the money.  I felt like we were in control.  We did the right things and executed from the start. 

 

On the serving on Sara Younes

Our first big win of the year was against Northern Iowa, and she did there basically what she did here tonight. I was a setter when I played, and when you can't side out, it's frustrating.  She did really well tonight, especially considering she hadn't practiced all week.

 

On a potential matchup with Nebraska

I don't want to put much stock in what happens in the spring, but when we played them this spring, we fought them hard. I have friends in the Big 12, so I know Nebraska.  We'll come out and fight and have a blast.

 

On defending Nevada's Salaia Salave'a

The only kills she was getting were soft kills.  One of our goals into the game was to contain Salave'a.  When we can concentrate on the middle and the right side, we're tough, and that worked tonight.

 

On winning the match in three games

When we looked at the matchups, we realized that we matched up with them pretty well. 

 

Sara Younes

On her jump serve

I didn't want my injury to affect me, and it didn't on the serve.  I got in a rhythm, and once I get into a rhythm, I feel like I can't miss.

 

On being nervous for first NCAA Tournament appearance

We were so excited to play tonight.  I had butterflies all day for this match.

 

Lara Geer

On Wichita State's first appearance in the NCAA Tournament

I think were excited, but we didn't have a lot of nerves.  We just went out, had fun, and played hard tonight.

 

Darci Vohs

On playing in the NCAA Tournament

We were really excited to play tonight.  It's our first chance to do this.  We went out and had fun.  Sara's (Younes) serves got us going.