Cougs Outlast Lady Zags in Pullman

Whenever Gonzaga plays Washington State, there is sure to be fireworks. Things were no different tonight as the Lady Zags volleyball team traveled to Pullman to face off with the Cougs.

The Zags came out on fire as they won both of the first two sets 25-19 and appeared to be poised for a quick victory. Elaina Renius (left) had an amazing five kills in the first set and finished with a whopping 22 total kills. Junior Layne Brosky also had an excellent night attacking the net. She matched Reinus' first set total of five kills and finished with 15 total kills. The other consistent bright spot for the Zags has been freshman setter Denise Van de Mortel who finished with 65 assists and 18 digs for her first career double-double.

The Lady Cougs won the third set 25-22 despite a valiant effort by Reinus. The fourth set was the true heart breaker for the ladies from Spokane. The ladies came out hot and established a 5-2 lead only to have Wazzu come right back and take an 11-6 lead. The Cougars kept that lead as the Zags desperately tried to claw back but their efforts were not enough. The Zags dropped the set 28-26.

Washington State was able to continue their momentum and take it to the Zags in the fifth set as they won in convincing fashion 15-8.

The Lady Zags return to the court this coming Friday and Saturday. They will be back in Spokane hosting the Gonzaga Volleyball Tournament. The Bulldogs will first clash with the University of Texas-El Paso on Friday at 7 p.m.