Cougs Battle Huskies in Home Opener

Wednesday, September 17

Pullman, Wash.

7:00 PM

Washington State University

5-4,0-0WCC

University of Washington

5-4,0-0Big Ten

Washington

Washington St.

Photo by: Shelly Hanks/WSU Photo Services

September 17, 2025 | Volleyball

Box Score

By: Washington State Athletic Communications

PULLMAN, Wash. – (September 17, 2025) – Washington State volleyball went toe-to-toe with in-state rival Washington on Wednesday night, showing grit and flashes of dominance before falling in four sets (25-22, 23-25, 19-25, 21-25) at Bohler Gym.

The Cougars (5-4, 0-0 WCC) came out swinging, taking the first set behind an efficient offense and strong blocking at the net. Lucie Blažková paced WSU with a team-high 16 kills and added two service aces, while Mary Healy chipped in 12 kills and five blocks. Melina Christodoulou added nine kills and nine digs in a balanced effort.

At the net, WSU tallied 11 team blocks, led by Kate Hayhurst with six and Healy with five. Setter Italia Bernal guided the attack with 27 assists and seven digs, while freshman Livia Ward added 13 assists and an ace.

Defensively, Tinons Munar Galmés anchored the back row with a team-best 17 digs, and Eliana Ti'a contributed nine digs alongside seven kills.

After taking the opening set 25-22, the Cougars had chances to extend the lead in set two, tying the frame at 23-23 before Washington edged ahead late. WSU continued to battle in each rally, pushing the Huskies deep into every set before ultimately falling.

NOTES

Four different Cougars finished with double-digit kills: Christodoulou (14), Ti'a (11), Blažková (11) and Healy (10).
Mary Healy recorded her first career solo block and matched a career-high with five digs.
Blažková remains at 48 solo blocks for her career, four shy of entering the WSU all-time top-10 list.

UP NEXT
The Cougars stay in Pullman to take on Eastern Washington on Friday, Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. PT. The match will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

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