Looking to finish strong. Back on track and very much in the thick of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference volleyball race, Seattle Pacific University looks to maintain its home court dominance in two matches this week. The Falcons (7-2, 13-5), ranked No. 18 in NCAA Division II, open the second half of league play and seek their seventh straight home win Thursday night (Oct. 13) against Humboldt State (3-6, 7-10). A four-match home stand concludes Saturday night (Oct. 15) against Western Oregon (5-4, 7-10). Next week, SPU heads north for two matches in Alaska.

Gaining ground. With its two victories last week, Seattle Pacific moved into a tie for third place in the GNAC, just one win behind co-leaders Seattle University and Central Washington. The Falcons did so with convincing victories over Saint Martin’s and Seattle U., which had been unbeaten in conference play. SPU prevailed by 3-0 sweeps in each match, and has now swept its last six home contests. The victory over the Redhawks should also boost postseason hopes. The Falcons had been tied for the eighth and final tournament spot in the Pacific Region entering last week.

Last week’s results:
SPU def. Saint Martin’s 30-12, 30-10, 30-11
SPU def. Seattle University 30-28, 30-28, 30-27

There’s no place like home. The Falcons are a perfect 5-0 in conference play and 8-2 overall at home this year. Seattle Pacific has won eight straight home GNAC matches dating back to last season, and has dropped just one game during that span. Seven of those wins have been sweeps, and the Falcons have won 24 straight games.

Defensive dominance. SPU’s defense has been in the headlines all season, but the Falcons absolutely dominated Saint Martin’s with a staunch performance. The Falcons set conference records for fewest kills allowed (12) and opponent hitting percentage, holding the Saints to a minus .115 night. In fact, Saint Martin’s hit in negative figures in all three games. SPU had nearly as many blocks (eight) as Saint Martin’s had kills. The Falcons lead the conference in blocks (2.76) and opponent hitting percentage (.141), and they are also second in digs (18.81).

Offense flexes muscles. Although SPU has played a defense-oriented game, the offense should not be overlooked. In Saturday’s victory over Seattle University, Seattle Pacific, converting at a .262 clip, was the first GNAC opponent to hit over .200 against the Redhawks. The Falcons, who hit .366 versus Saint Martin’s (the No. 5 mark in the conference this season), now rank second in league hitting percentage (.222) and kills (15.34).

Myers lead the way. Chelsey Myers (Sr., 5-10, Minden, Nv./Douglas) set the tone early in the victory over Seattle U. She recorded nine kills and hit at a .818 clip in Game 1 alone against the Redhawks, finishing the match with 20 kills. Myers was named GNAC co-player of the week after finishing with 5.75 kills per game and a .455 hitting percentage in the two wins. She ranks No. 6 in GNAC kills (3.2), No. 8 in points (3.67) and 12th in hitting percentage (.243). Consistent contributor. The attack has been led by the emergence of outside hitter Alyssa Given (So., 5-10, Salinas, Ca./Notre Dame), who moved into a full-time starting role this year and has provided the team with consistent play all season. Given led the Falcons with 26 kills last week to go along with 27 digs and six blocks. She ranks third in the conference in points (4.73), fourth in kills (3.97) and service aces (0.53), 15th in hitting percentage (.240) and 16th in digs (2.81).

Quick sets. The Falcons have hit for a combined percentage of .317 in their five home GNAC matches...The 20 kills by Myers was her season high and equaled the No. 2 mark in the GNAC for a three-game match this season. Her .500 attack percentage was second on the team to Given’s .591 vs. Alaska Fairbanks last month...Along with Given, Angie Wodrich (So., 5-10, Richland, Wa.) is also another Falcon who has benefitted from an expanded role as a full-time starter. She ranks eighth in the league in aces (0.41), 10th in blocks (0.95), 11th in points (3.48), 12th in digs (3.18) and 18th in kills (2.56) as one of SPU’s top all-around performers ...Katie Ralph (Sr., 6-0, Port Orchard, Wa./South Kitsap) has seen limited action since dislocating her thumb a month ago, but has continued to provide clutch play when called upon. Although she was held out of both matches last week, Ralph is third in the league in blocks (1.17)...Setter Jenna Von Moos (Jr., 5-10, Stanwood, Wa.) leads the Falcons with a .291 hitting percentage and ranks third in the league in assists (11.89), 15th in digs (2.85) and 16th in blocks (0.74)...Libero Torii Mount (Fr., 5-2, Gresham, Or.) is third in the GNAC in digs (5.29)...Nine of the nation’s top 25 ranked teams hail from the Pacific, topped by No. 4 Hawaii Pacific, No. 8 Cal Poly Pomona and No. 9 Central Washington.

SPU coaches. A new era begins as Chris Johnson—just the third coach in the program’s existence—aims to send the Falcons back to the NCAA for the first time in four seasons. Johnson was the team’s top assistant in 2004, and earlier served as an assistant at NAIA powerhouse Westmont from 2001-03. The Warriors reached the national tournament in ‘01 and ‘02. Last season at SPU, Johnson was in charge of defense and passing strategies and technique, as well as recruiting. He also guided the Falcons through the balance of the spring season following the resignation Kellie Ryan. A native of Bellevue and graduate of Interlake High School, Johnson earned his bachelor’s degree in art from Westmont in 2002. He played a total of five years at the collegiate club level, including three at Westmont. Kaitlin Leck, a four-year starter who averaged more than 2.5 kills at Washington will serve as Johnson’s assistant. Leck was a two-time Pac-10 all-academic selection, and was a member of the NCAA semifinal team in ‘04.

Tickets, please. General admission tickets for all SPU home volleyball matches are priced $5 with students, youth and senior citizens $3 with proper identification. Teams or groups can qualify for discount rates by call (206) 281-2085 in advance.

Missing links. For the latest and best information on Seattle Pacific University athletics, stay where you're at -- on The Falcons Online. For updated standings and statistics, see the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Website.