PULLMAN, Wash. – (September 27, 2025) – Washington State showed resilience and poise on Saturday afternoon, rallying behind a balanced attack and clutch defense to outlast Santa Clara, 3-2 (25-21, 16-25, 15-25, 27-25, 15-6), in Bohler Gym.
After a strong opening-set victory, WSU (8-4, 2-0 WCC) found itself trailing two sets to one and in danger of dropping its first home league contest. But the Cougars responded with grit in the fourth frame, overcoming set point against them and storming back to win 27-25.
That momentum carried into the deciding fifth, where Washington State dominated with a .429 hitting percentage and never looked back.
Melina Christodoulou was electric, finishing with a team-high 19 kills on .324 hitting while adding eight digs and two blocks. Lucie Blažková was a difference-maker at the net, recording eight kills, six blocks, and two service aces for 14 points.
Italia Bernal directed the offense with 29 assists and chipped in six digs.
Defensively, the Cougars were anchored by Tinons Munar Galmés, who posted 15 digs, while
Maddy Joswick added six digs and two aces. Washington State's block proved crucial down the stretch, tallying 11 team blocks to stymie the Broncos' offense in key moments.
NOTES
- Melina Christodoulou's 19 kills and 21 points were both season highs.
- Blažková had two solo blocks, giving her 53 for her career, tied for ninth all-time at WSU.
- Their 11 team blocks marked the second-straight match the Cougars have reached double-digit blocks, and the fourth time this season.
UP NEXT
The Cougars are back out on the road next week at Seattle U on Thursday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. before returning to Pullman to host Gonzaga, Saturday, Oct. 4 at 1 p.m. Both games will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
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