The UAF Nanooks lost a pair of volleyball matches this week, one on Thursday to the Western Oregon University Wolves and a second on Saturday to the Lumberjacks of Humboldt State University.

The Nanooks took two games from the Wolves, forcing the match into a five game series. Despite powerful performances from April Blandford and Crystal Wheelock, with 15 and 13 kills respectively, the 'Nooks were unable to win the match.

The Wolves dropped the first two games with scores of 30-28 and 30-23, but came back strong after the intermission winning three consecutive games by scores of 30-16, 30-17, and 15-11.

On Saturday night, the Lumberjacks axed the Nanooks in a 3-0 sweep, with scores of 20-30, 29-31, and 23-30 on Saturday afternoon at the Patty Center, dropping the Nanooks to 1-10 overall, and 1-6 in the GNAC Conference with their fifth consecutive loss. It was Humboldt's first win over UAF in 10 games.

Nanook senior April Balnford's had four great blocks and the match high of 15 kills. Adding to UAF's offense was junior Katrina Jensen with seven kills and freshman Korlyn Bolster with eight kills. Freshman Sedra Zlock had 13 assists and senior Kayleen Stenehjem had 15 assists.

The crowd was supportive with a smattering of "U-A-F" chanting and the occasional "Go Nooks!" The Nanook team members were smiling and playing optimistically. UAF's defense played well, blocking Humboldt several times, but it was not enough.

Three Nanooks team members did record double figure digs. Sophomore Jenna Jones had 10, senior Crystal Wheelock had 14 and freshman Miranda Trudeau had a team high 17 digs.

Humboldt State was led by sophomore Katie Norkunas, who had a team high 14 kills and 12 digs, and junior Kristen Kinzer who added 10 kills. Sophomore setter Ashley Jucksch recorded a match high of 24 assists, while senior Tonya Fedrick had 21 assists. Junior Maya Domoto had a match high 27 digs.

The Lumberjacks advanced to 7-8 overall and 3-4 in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.

The UAF Women's Volleyball team will play in-state rivals UAA Friday, Oct. 7 for more GNAC competition. The first serve is set for 7 p.m. at the Patty Center. For more information about UAF Volleyball or other athletics, go to www.gonanooks.com/