SEATTLE (Oct. 26) – Nicole Blue recorded a match-high 14 kills, but the Alaska Anchorage volleyball team could not find an offensive rhythm Thursday as No. 19 Seattle Pacific held on for a 25-15, 25-17, 19-25, 25-20 victory at Royal Brougham Pavilion.

The Seawolves (12-15, 4-8 Great Northwest Athletic Conference) also got eight kills and four blocks from outside hitter Bethany Tuchardt and 13 digs from junior libero Reilly Plumhoff as they were outhit .223 to .095 and outblocked 14-10 by the top blocking team in NCAA Div. II.

The Falcons (17-3, 11-1) were led by 13 kills from Sarah Brachvogel, plus six kills on .429 hitting and 10 total blocks from the nation's leading blocker, Hannah Hair. Setter Emily Tulino had 21 assists and six digs as SPU won for the 16th time in 17 matches, sweeping the season series from UAA and maintaining a three-match lead atop the GNAC with six remaining.

After SPU took the opening two sets with big runs midway through, the Seawolves stepped up their defense in the third, holding the hosts to -.045 hitting as they grabbed a 19-7 lead and held off a late Falcon charge. Tuchardt, a Washington native, ripped four kills on as many swings in the frame, along with a pair of block assists.

UAA could not maintain its momentum, however, falling behind 9-3 to open the fourth. A Blue kill drew the visitors within 22-18, but Tulino and Hair answered with consecutive kills, and Allison Wilks delivered on match points moments later.

A senior outside hitter, Blue finished with .211 hitting and added four aces, along with eight digs. Junior setter Makana Eleneki led the Seawolves with 19 assists, while sophomore defensive specialist Madison Galloway had 12 assists and two aces.

The Seawolves look to halt their three-match losing skid when they face Montana State Billings  in a match that starts at 11 a.m. ADT. Surf to GoSeawolves.com for live video and stats links.