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Don’t look now, but Cougar volleyball is on a roll.
Washington State had a stellar non-conference slate once again this year, but great non-conference records aren’t unusual for the Cougs. The last time they entered conference play with more than 3 losses was back in 2010. But success early hasn’t always translated to success in Pac-12 play. In 2011, WSU lost just twice outside of conference play, but picked up 2 wins in the Pac-12. In 2014, it was a 9-3 non-conference record that led to a 1-19 conference mark.
The Pac-12 schedule has always been the defining point in the season for WSU volleyball and for the 2017 squad, that mark comes tonight.
The Cougars are 11-1 after non-conference play and they have been dominant up to this point. Coming off of their first NCAA Tournament berth in seven years, the 2017 Cougs have dropped just 4 sets in their wins and their one loss came in 5 sets to Big 12 powerhouse Baylor.
While the Bears are receiving votes in the latest polls, the Cougs have yet to face a top 25 team. But they’ll get plenty of chances to do just that once Pac-12 play arrives. The Conference of Champions has seven teams currently in the rankings, including 7th ranked Washington who will visit Pullman tonight.
The Huskies, of course, have been a volleyball powerhouse in recent years. UW has made the NCAA Tournament every season since 2002, making five Final Four appearances in the stretch and bringing home the gold in 2005. So, it comes as no surprise, that the Dawgs have dominated the recent series. Coming into last season, UW had dropped just two sets to WSU since 2013. Washington State did upset then 4th ranked Washington last season, but the Cougs haven’t had success against their rival in Pullman since 2009.
This one will get underway Wednesday night at 6 in Bohler. If you’re in Pullman, the athletic department is running a huge campaign to “Be In Bohler” tonight and is even offering $2 hot dogs to make it worth your time. If you’re not in Pullman, the Pac-12 Network will be on hand to broadcast the event, with former WSU volleyball player Camryn Irwin on the call.
Football
Lopsided run-to-pass ratio not a concern of Washington State’s Leach through three games | The Spokesman-Review
PULLMAN – In Saturday’s 52-23 rout of Oregon State, Washington State fans saw the Air Raid offense in peak shape. Quarterbacks Luke Falk and Tyler Hilinski threw the ball 58 times for 431 yards and six touchdowns, completing 72 percent of their attempts without tossing an interception. If nothing else, it was a good day of cardio for the visiting defensive backs.
WSU football ready to move on without linebacker Pelluer | Washington State University Sports | yakimaherald.com
SEATTLE — Washington State’s defense is moving on and prepping to play Nevada this weekend without middle linebacker Peyton Pelluer, who broke a bone in his foot last week against Oregon State.
Norvell challenges secondary ahead of Washington State game | KRNV
It's so secret that Nevada is struggling in their first season under new Head Coach Jay Norvell. The team is coming off arguably their most embarrassing home loss in program history, falling to FCS-level Idaho State 30-28 on Saturday.
Washington State coach Mike Leach's song and dance is sad and tired; Issues & Answers | OregonLive.com
Leach's attempt to bully reporters yesterday backfired.
but congratulations on your win. pic.twitter.com/8E0I5TObUM
— britton (@bkransford) September 19, 2017
Washington has become a state of football euphoria | Sports | tdn.com
Of the state of Washington’s seven college football programs, five are ranked in the Top 20 of their respective polls.
Basketball
Washington State learns Pac-12 schedule, TV slots for upcoming basketball season | The Spokesman-Review
Washington State men’s basketball will appear on national television in each of its first two Pac-12 games and then seven more times throughout conference play,