Eastern loses to Gonzaga but falls to SDSU in five.

SPOKANE, Wash. — Eastern Washington had a powerful exhibiting towards Gonzaga, securing a 3-1 (25-20, 25-19, 18-25, 25-21) victory. However, they confronted a tricky battle towards San Diego State, shedding in 5 units after placing up a valiant effort (25-23, 19-25, 20-25, 25-21, 12-15). With a season report of 4-6, the Eagles are set to kick off convention play on Thursday, Sept. 26, towards Idaho State. Bri Gunderson and Quincy Moran earn all-tournament honors on the Gonzaga Invitational.

EWU vs. Gonzaga

The Eastern Eagles placed on a powerful efficiency towards Gonzaga, profitable the match 3-1. Moran was a standout, main the offense with 15 kills at a stable .314 hitting share. Kalista Lukovich additionally made her mark, recording 15 kills and 17 digs for her fourth double-double of the season.

In the primary set, the Eagles established an early lead at 9-4, showcasing a balanced offensive effort and robust serving. After a 6-2 run pushed their lead to 19-12, Gonzaga known as a timeout, but Eastern maintained management and took the set 25-19.

The momentum carried into the second set, the place the Eagles jumped to a 9-5 lead. Eastern maintained a hitting share of .588, main 15-10 on the media timeout. A short 3-0 run from Gonzaga prompted Eastern to name a timeout, but the Eagles capitalized on Gonzaga's errors, finally profitable the set 25-20 with contributions from Moran, Tanai Jenkins, and Sadie Bacon.

Set three noticed Gonzaga come out sturdy, main 10-7, which compelled Eastern to take its first timeout. After falling behind 14-9, the Eagles fought again with a 3-0 run, prompting a Gonzaga timeout. However, the Bulldogs regained their momentum and secured the set 25-18.

The fourth set started with a profitable problem from Eastern, gaining the primary level. Gonzaga went on a 4-0 run, but the Eagles shortly closed the hole. Eastern's first timeout got here after trailing 12-7, but a powerful offensive effort from Alyssa Radke and Moran helped the Eagles regain the lead. They continued to dominate, taking the fourth set 25-21 and sealing the match victory.

EWU vs. San Diego State

In an exhilarating five-set showdown, Lukovich and Radke led the Eagles with 15 kills every, displaying excellent hitting percentages of .341 and .407, respectively. On the defensive facet, Kate Hatch and Makenna Collins each recorded 12 digs, with Hatch reaching her fifth double-double of the season, including 18 assists to her defensive efforts.

The first set showcased Radke's dominance as she racked up seven kills with a powerful .700 hitting share. Her explosive begin set the tone for Eastern, who initially pulled forward. Although SDSU made a powerful push to regain the lead, the Eagles fought again and secured the set 25-23, thanks to crucial blocks from Moran and Gunderson.

Momentum shifted in the second set because the Aztecs surged forward, profitable 25-19. Despite Eastern's makes an attempt to regain management, SDSU's aggressive offense proved too sturdy. The third set continued the development, with SDSU leaping out to an early lead and taking it 25-20, regardless of Eastern's spirited comeback.

In a dramatic fourth set, Eastern confirmed outstanding resilience, getting back from an early deficit to tie it at 17-17. A pivotal block from Gunderson and Lukovich helped Eastern take the lead, they usually closed out the set 25-21, forcing a decisive fifth set.

The remaining set was tightly contested, with SDSU edging forward early. Despite Eastern's valiant effort to shut the hole, the Aztecs finally clinched the match 15-12, profitable the competition 3-2.

Up Next
Eastern will hit the street to kickoff convention play towards Idaho State on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. The Eagles will return dwelling to tackle Sacramento State on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 11 a.m.

ABOUT EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Eastern Washington University Athletics sponsors 14 intercollegiate sports activities, six for males and eight for girls, each as studying alternatives for its most athletically gifted college students and as an enhancement to scholar and neighborhood life. Eastern is affiliated with Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and is a member of the Big Sky Conference, an affiliation of 10 regional colleges with comparable enrollments and educational targets.

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