ANCHORAGE (Nov. 10) - The Seawolf volleyball team put for a spirited effort but couldn't keep up with a nationally ranked squad from Central Washington as the Wildcats took a 30-12, 30-21, 30-21 victory at the Wells Fargo Sports Complex on Thursday.

UAA (7-18, 4-13 GNAC) got eight kills apiece from freshmen Heather Lyons and Caitlin Grenier, while libero sophomore Rachael Knecht tallied 14 digs. The 15th-ranked Wildcats (21-4, 15-2) moved into a first-place tie in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference thanks to 15 kills from outside hitter Crystal Ames and a .380 team hitting percentage.

The Seawolves started slow against the Wildcats, who are still scrapping for an NCAA Tournament bid despite their lofty record and ranking. CWU cruised to victories in Games 1 and 2 before UAA came out fighting in the third frame.

In the third, the Seawolves kept things tight early and went up 21-19 on a kill by Lyons. However, CWU responded by flexing its muscle and sweeping the last 11 points of the match.

UAA concludes its season Saturday night with a home match against Western Washington. First serve is 7 p.m. at the WFSC.