FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 12, 2026
Portland, Ore. | The Warner Pacific University women's volleyball team returned home Saturday evening to host Walla Walla University in Cascade Collegiate Conference action. Despite battling throughout all three sets, the Knights fell to the Wolves in straight sets, 25-20, 25-19, 25-21.
Walla Walla established an efficient offensive rhythm early and finished the night with a .309 team hitting percentage and 41 kills. The Wolves opened the match with 14 kills and a .281 hitting percentage to take the first set, 25-20, before maintaining control in the second behind a steady .310 attack to earn a 25-19 victory.
Warner Pacific continued to battle in the third set, but Walla Walla put together its strongest offensive performance of the night when it mattered most. The Wolves hit .333 with 15 kills in the final frame, holding off the Knights for a 25-21 victory to complete the sweep.
Femke Eising led the Wolves offensively with a match-high 11 kills, while Sahara Browning added nine kills on a .368 hitting percentage along with nine digs. Kienna Stepper contributed six kills, two blocks, and a .417 hitting percentage. Kylee Stinger and Savannah Saragosa split the setting duties for Walla Walla, combining for 22 assists, while Keani Kahele finished with a team-high nine digs.
Warner Pacific remained competitive throughout the match behind a balanced attack and strong pressure from the service line, finishing the night with eight service aces.
Tayah-Anne Toa paced the Knights offensively with nine kills while adding six digs. Mia Carman contributed seven kills and six digs, while Naomi Johnson and Josie Schultz each recorded six kills and matching .385 hitting percentages.
Amor Rapoza directed the Warner Pacific offense with a team-high 15 assists and two service aces. Daisci Burrows added 12 assists and two aces of her own. Defensively, Maya Moreno led all players in the match with 11 digs.
"We are continuously improving each game," head coach Nerisa Laban said. "The loss was tough because we could have won, and we are so close. However, I see the potential we have as a team. We will continue to keep grinding and fighting to come out with a win."
NEXT UP
The Knights will look to bounce back when they return to the road for another Cascade Collegiate Conference matchup. Warner Pacific travels to Klamath Falls to take on Oregon Tech on Friday, September 18, with first serve scheduled for 6 p.m. at Danny Miles Court.
