WALLA WALLA, Wash.  – The Bushnell volleyball team claimed a three-set victory over Walla Walla University on Friday afternoon, 25-13, 25-23, 25-13.  
 
The Beacons (7-3, 5-1 CCC) nearly held another opponent to a negative hitting percentage as their defense stifled the Wolves attack to the tune of nine blocks and a 53-45 advantage in digs.
 
The Wolves had their best performance in set two, holding multiple leads and forcing a tied score as late as 20-20. Bushnell responded with a late rally, featuring a pair of kills from Brooke Silvernail, to put away the set before ending the night with a blowout.
 
Head Coach Jason Corwin said, "Sometimes you have to make quick adjustments during a match. We see it all the time in practice, but now everyone is executing when it matters the most. Each set had some different challenges to overcome but this team works so well together that we weren't worried. Walla Walla came out energetic and scrappy in set two and really made us work for every point. We decided we had to match their energy and that is when we really got our offense to click. I appreciate our focus and creativity today."
 
Silvernail (pictured, center) finished the night with a season-high and match-best 11 kills for the victors. Leah Agost added seven kills and three blocks while Makenna Mosher (pictured, left) hit .625 with five kills and three blocks. Brooklynn Dechent led all players with six blocks.
 
"I am really proud of our teams' consistency and drive throughout this math," said Silvernail. "Walla Walla had scrappy defense and we had to earn every point. Although it is early in the season, our team chemistry has been improving with every game."
 
Katie Belitz posted a match-high 15 assists and Bella Parque dominated in the back row (17 digs) and at the service line (three aces).
 
Belitz said, "We were able to run some new plays and implement things we have been working on in practice. Walla Walla has some good hitters and we got to pick up a lot of digs. We are getting better and better with time and I love being on the court with these girls. I am looking forward to see what we can do tomorrow."
 
The Wolves (0-7, 0-6) were led by Femke Eising, collecting eight kills, two blocks and an ace. Danielle Faamausili posted a double-double with 12 assists and ten digs, both team-highs.  
 
The Beacon victory, combined with an upset loss for No. 1 ranked Eastern Oregon University at the hands of Northwest University, moves Bushnell into second-place in the CCC. They will look to continue their strong start to the conference slate on Saturday when they travel to take on Lewis-Clark State College (3-8, 2-4) at 5:00 pm.