The Nanook volleyball team nabbed its first on-the-road conference win of the season Saturday against Saint Martin's University, but fell to Western Oregon University 3-1 two days earlier.
The 'Nooks lost to the Western Oregon Wolves on Thursday, 30-28, 30-28, 26-30, 30-24, while away in Monmouth, Ore. But after crossing state boundaries to hit Lacey, Wash., Alaska rebounded to defeat Saint Martin's Saints, 28-30, 30-26, 30-21, 30-22.
During the Thursday night match, the Wolves got to an early 8-3 lead in game one and remained ahead until the Nanooks tied the game 25-25.
Western Oregon members Lisa Martini and Shakira Jenkins together caused three attack errors, allowing Alaska to take a 28-25 lead. But the Wolves hit back, scoring five final points, including three points at the net by Martini, Jenkins and Lisa Tender. Final score was 30-28.
Game two played out the same, with the Wolves jumping to a 19-13 lead. Alaska rallied to a 26-26 tie, and Katrina Jensen got the 'Nooks the lead with an ace. But the Wolves circled back for a 30-28 kill.
Western Oregon had an early 5-1 lead in game three, only to see Alaska take the team to town. The Nanooks won 30-26.
Both teams traded points in game four before the Wolves took control, winning the match game 30-24.
Freshman middle turned outside hitter Megan Thigpen led Alaska with 17 kills, 13 digs and three service aces. Junior co-captain Jenna Jones made 10 kills and 10 digs. Fellow junior co-captain Jessica King led defensively with 18 digs.
For the Wolves, Laura Sakala made a season-best 15 kills. Jessica Baty led defensively with 24 digs. Martini had 13 kills and seven total blocks.
Then came Saturday's win. Alaska led most of game one thanks in large part to kills by King. But kills by Saints players Kristin Anderson and ad Alexa Sherman tied the game 27-27. Elise Dike put the Saints over the edge, and a ball handling error by Nanook player Alexa Sherman gave the Saints the win, 30-28.
That was the last win the Saints would see during the match. From there, the Nanooks defeated the Saints 30-26, 30-21, 30-22.
Thigpen led the Nanooks again with 12 kills, 18 digs, and two service aces against the Saints. Korlyn Bolster followed with 11 kills. Jones led the team defensively with 19 digs.
For the Saints, Shealun Campisi and Andrea Tarbet led the offensive effort with 12 kills each. Campisi also led defensively, with 16 digs.
The Nanooks are now 2-3 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play. The 'Nooks head to Seattle to face Seattle University on Thursday. The team's next at-home game is Oct. 5.
