A two-week run of single-match wins ended for the Nanook volleyball team this weekend with losses against Seattle University and Western Washington.

Alaska lost to the Seattle University Redhawks on Thursday 28-30, 20-30, 21-30.

The Nanooks then lost again Saturday to the Western Washington Vikings, 30-26, 20-30, 25-30 and 19-30.

"We're extremely young and we'll be going through some growing pains," said head coach Phil Shoemaker about the losses.

The Redhawks match was one of particular pain because 'Nooks had to deal with star player Megan Thigpen not being up to her usual level of game play.

"Megan was still recovering from her [grade 1] concussion from last week," Shoemaker said.

During the first games against Seattle at the Connolly Center, the 'Nooks were looking good with a eight point lead but slipped up to let the Redhawks storm back with ten points to take the win.

Pulling for the 'Nooks was Jenna Jones with 10 kills and 12 digs. Setter Alexa Sherman helped out with 25 assists, while Miranda Trudeau provided defense with 27 digs during the match.

Also working defense was Thigpen with eight digs.

For the Redhawks, Nikole Thompson attacked with 17 kills. Working almost exclusively on assisting was Marisa Vierra providing 40 of 42 assists. Sticking to defense, Melissa Mulick shielded the team with 27 digs.

Saturday's match versus Western Washington was somewhat better with an initial game win but soon fell into a slump with three more loses.

Thigpen moved from defense to a more offensive position with 18 offensive kills but still managed to provide 21 digs.

Supporting the 'Nooks again was Sherman with 48 assists.

Defense was more spread out among the team this match, but Miranda Trudeau managed to match Thigpen's 21 defensive digs.

Vikings offense was dominated by four players.

Jaime Anderson had 15 kills and Angie Alvord made 16. Marissa Hill clocked in 10 kills and Tiana Roma recorded 16.

Courtney Schneider covered defense with 33 digs. Katie Robinson provided 53 assists.

Shoemaker was positive on Saturday's performance.

"Western Washington is one of the top defensive teams in the nation," Shoemaker said. "This was the first game anyone had taken off of them in seven matches."

"We played really well that first game, unfortunately we couldn't maintain it for the rest" he added.

Upcoming coming home-turf matches at the Patty Center include rematches against the Saint Martin on Thursday and Western Oregon on Saturday.

"We look forward to the Western Oregon match," Shoemaker said regarding getting some payback.