Box Score

San Rafael, CA – Bouncing back from their five-set battle with Seattle Pacific the night before, the Urban Knights logged their fourth sweep of the season, going 3-0 (25-22, 25-17, 25-22) against Western Oregon. It was another complete team effort in the PacWest/GNAC Crossover as four players had eight or more kills, led by Melissa Brum's match-high 16.

"Today's match was a testament to our resiliency when our opponent gets off to a good start," head coach Ed Jackson said. "We have to give credit to Western Oregon for coming out ready to play. I was proud of our team's ability to recover and get back on track."

The Wolves pounced on a strong start to the match, leading 7-1 after the first eight points. However, Academy of Art promptly responded with its own 7-2 burst that featured three kills from Isabel Emrich. Back-and-forth from that moment on, the teams found themselves tied 21-21. A WOU service error was backed up by kills from Brittany Ulmer and Rachael Smith to force set point and eventually those two connected in the finale, a 25-22 victory for ART U.

Set three was also a dogfight early, but the ART U offense took over with a 9-2 surge that featured five unanswered points which consisted primarily of kills from Ulmer, Brum, and Smith. Though WOU came back to within one at 12-11, the Knights refused to relinquish their lead and used another 6-2 push to create separation. Brum provided important kills late in the set and Academy of Art finished off its fourth sweep 25-22.

"We eventually tied the game about halfway through the first set then we settled down and played consistent," Coach Jackson said. "We brought a constant energy in the second and third set. We are building momentum with conference play beginning next week and we are very excited to get an opportunity to play our last two non-conference matches tomorrow."

The 4-2 Urban Knights were led by Brum's fifth double-double of the year (16 kills, 10 digs) and her fourth consecutive while Ulmer added nine kills, hitting a sparkling .600. Papale also finished with nine kills and 14 digs and Emrich was a great asset on both sides, posting eight kills and 10 digs. Smith delivered 38 assists to keep her assists per set average (11.23) among the top in the PacWest Conference.

In the final day of the PacWest/GNAC Crossover, Academy of Art takes on Montana State Billings (10:00 AM) then Simon Fraser (3:00 PM).