Ellensburg, WA -- In Academy of Art University's second match of the day at the CWU Volleyball Invitational, AAU battled Central Washington through four sets, but could not push the match to five and ultimately lost 3-1 (28-26, 17-25, 25-15, 28-26). Junior outside hitter Dan Yang notched 20 kills and 17 digs for her second consecutive double-double. Junior outside hitter Jelena Jakovljevic had 12 kills to go with a new career-high 21 digs.

The opening set featured 12 ties and AAU had two set points before the Wildcats managed a 28-26 win off two attack errors by the Knights. In the second set, Academy of Art University took charge midway through, established a 10-7 lead, and prevented CWU from coming back en route to a 25-17 set win. The reverse of set number two happened in the third when Central Washington pulled away with a 7-1 run after the teams had been tied 9-9.

Although the Wildcats were leading in the match, the Urban Knights started the fourth set strong. After going up 4-0, Academy of Art soon built upon the lead with its own 7-1 surge. The scoreboard read 24-19 with AAU in front, but CWU managed to fight off five consecutive set points and force a 24-24 tie. The teams battled through three more ties before the Wildcats took their first lead of the set and went up 27-26. Outside hitter Meg Ryan was responsible for the final two kills which gave Central Washington the match victory.

In addition to the performances by Yang and Jakovljevic, the Knights (4-2) had a strong match from sophomore middle blocker Amy Bush who racked up 14 kills and six block assists. Freshman setter Melissa Cheng amassed 48 assists and was solid defensively with nine digs and five block assists. Sophomore libero Nicolette Hagan finished with 24 digs for her second consecutive match with 20 or more.

Tournament host CWU (4-1) was paced offensively by outside hitter Kady Try who had 16 kills and added 14 digs. Setter Carlee Marble had a double-double with 41 assists and 22 digs.

AAU will play two matches tomorrow in the CWU Volleyball Invitational. At 11:00 AM, the Urban Knights take on Western Washington and then at 2:00 PM, Academy of Art University will face Walla Walla University.