Spikers drop finale, await playoff fate

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Jackie Matthisen had 12 kills and 17 digs Saturday but the Alaska Anchorage volleyball team saw its quest for a Great Northwest Athletic Conference title come to an end in a four-set loss to Western Oregon at the New P.E. Building.

The Seawolves (18-8, 14-4 GNAC), who finish tied for second place in the final standings with Western Washington, must now wait until the announcement of the NCAA Tournament field Sunday at 6 p.m. AST to learn if they earn an invitation. UAA entered the week with a No. 8 ranking in the West Region – the final playoff spot.

The host Wolves (14-8, 13-5) were led by 18 kills and 14 digs from junior outside hitter Danielle Reese as they swept the season series from UAA with the 25-21, 25-21, 19-25, 25-23 decision.

UAA also got 11 kills apiece from Robyn Burton and Ariel Austin, while Burton registered eight total blocks. Junior outside hitter Nikkie Viotto had nine kills and 17 digs, and setter Kimya Jafroudi tallied 41 assists and 11 digs in the loss.

After surviving with a strong third-set performance, the Seawolves found themselves in an 8-1 hole to begin the fourth. Despite coming back from a 21-14 disadvantage to pull within 24-23, UAA could not fight off a second match point, with Reese notching the decisive kill.

With the Seawolves' loss and Seattle Pacific's 3-0 win at Montana State Billings earlier in the evening, SPU claims the 2011 title outright, including the GNAC's automatic NCAA bid.

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Players Mentioned

#RS Jackie Matthisen: MB/OH; 5' 11"; Sophomore

#9 Nikkie Viotto: DS; 5' 8"; Freshman

#4 Robyn Burton: MB; 5' 11"; Freshman

#5 Ariel Austin: RS; 6' 0"; Junior

#11 Kimya Jafroudi: S; 5' 7"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#RS Jackie Matthisen
: 5' 11"; Sophomore
: MB/OH

#9 Nikkie Viotto
: 5' 8"; Freshman
: DS

#4 Robyn Burton
: 5' 11"; Freshman
: MB

#5 Ariel Austin
: 6' 0"; Junior
: RS

#11 Kimya Jafroudi
: 5' 7"; Junior
: S