KALAMAZOO -- Led by 28 digs from freshman libero Lena Oliver and 13 kills and four blocks from junior middle blocker Ashley Turnage, the Western Michigan volleyball team defeated the volleyball alumni, 4-0 (25-9, 25-18, 25-15, 26-24), at University Arena on Saturday night.
Sophomore middle blocker Jessica Brown added 11 kills and hit .391, while senior outside hitter Allyson Doyle had a double-double with 10 kills, 14 digs and two blocks. Freshman outside hitter Taylor Richard added 10 digs, while junior setter Sam Viox had 36 assists and nine digs.
Freshman outside hitter Gillian Asque and freshman middle blocker Emily Harris tied Turnage for the match high with three blocks, while Asque added eight kills and eight digs. Freshman outside hitter Ali Gossen hit a match-high .444 with nine kills, while freshman setter Terin Norris had 14 assists in her one set of work.
"It was fun to play against the alumni and I'm very thanful that they gave us a great match," head coach Colleen Munson said. "It was a great experience to have them back and they showed us some things that we need to work on. They will always be a part of our volleyball family."
The alumni were led by middle blocker Ashley Vogl with 13 kills and Katie Eberling, less than 24 hours after returning from a month-long trip to Australia, added 12 kills. Lindsey West led five alumni in double figures with 21 digs, while WMU career leader Caitlin Strimel added 17, Jillian Mitchell had 15 digs and 29 assists, Courtney Seiler contributed 14 digs and Katy Duffy picked up 11 digs. WMU career kills leader Michelle Moore added six kills, two assists and one solo block.
The 2010 Broncos open the season next weekend against Arizona State on Friday at the Dayton Flyer Classic and then play at Ohio State against the Buckeyes and Pittsburgh on Saturday for the Sports Imports Classic.