Nooks break 15 year streak

Published: Oct. 21, 2023 at 6:48 PM AKDT
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FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) -When the fans strolled into the Patty Center for a volleyball game Thursday night, no one guessed the game would turn into a historic one for the Nanooks, as a 15 year streak was broken.

In the first set, the Nooks came out and dominated, shutting down Western Washington with heavy team blocks, and handcuffing them with excellent serves.

Throughout the three sets, the nooks would grab 10 service aces, seven blocks, and 39 kills. The first set was one of massive point runs, with two five point runs. Also, the student section was making it a hostile environment to play in, showing their support from the first serve to the final point.

The Nooks took the first set 25 to 13 and were looking confident heading into the second set.

The second set saw Washington start fighting back, but again the nooks started to overpower the Vikings with small runs.

The Nooks got to set point, and the Vikings fought back before Coach Scott challenged the final point, after the line judged deemed the ball in. But after review, the call was reversed, and the Nooks took the second set 25 to 20.

The start of the third set was back and forth up to the eight point of the set, and then UAF went on the attack for a five point run. It was the beginning of the end for the Vikings, as they were able to grab a few points in-between the nooks 2 to 3 point runs.

The Nooks took the third and final set 25 to 15, ending the 15 year winless streak against Western Washington players, and fans were ecstatic after the game.

Coach Brian Scott was excited after the game, not only with the historic win, but also with the solid play. “Yeah, just fun to finally see for two matches in a row, a couple of things clicking and all coming together, and congrats to the girls. I mean they’ve been working hard in practice, and I’m really excited about how we’re progressing right now.”

There was a bit of celebration after the game, but the mindset was already shifting towards their next game against Simon Fraser.

“Yeah for sure, we just have to keep playing clean volleyball like we’ve been playing right now. Last time we met Simon Fraser, we got worked over at their place a little bit, so hopefully the girls kind of want to come back and redeem themselves a little bit and get after it with them,” said Scott.