Six New Huskies Debut But Dawgs Drop Opener

Friday, August 25

Hammond, LA

8:00 AM

University of Washington

0-1,0-0Pac-12

UTEP

1-0,0-0CUSA

Washington

UTEP

August 25, 2023 | Volleyball

Box Score

By: UW Athletic Communications

HAMMOND, La. – Washington Volleyball had an instant dose of drama in its first match of the 2023 season, going the full five sets but falling short in the end against UTEP on a neutral court in Hammond, Louisiana. The young Husky squad had four new starters and saw six players make their UW debuts.

The Dawgs will have a chance to bounce back quickly this evening in the second match of their opening day double-header, when they play the host Southeastern Louisiana.

Washington (0-1) took the first set against the Miners (1-0) but lost the second and third, before winning set four. But UTEP took a 5-1 lead to start the fifth and the Huskies were unable to rally, dropping a 25-23, 19-25, 23-25, 25-22, 9-15 final.

?? May Pertofsky pounds the first Husky kill of the season!#PointHuskies pic.twitter.com/xBtQNkByYz
— Washington Volleyball (@UWVolleyball) August 25, 2023

In her Husky debut, senior transfer May Pertofsky led the Huskies and tied her career-high with 18 kills, hitting .277 with a pair of aces and two blocks. Sophomore Audra Wilmes had a career-high 14 kills out of the gate, and freshman Kierstyn Barton was impressive in her collegiate debut, getting 11 kills and two blocks.

Both Husky setters saw action, as Molly Wilson had career-highs across the board, with 29 assists, three aces, and 12 digs for her first career double-double. Senior transfer Kayce Litzau added 14 assists and junior libero Lauren Bays tied her career-high with 23 digs.

Starters for the season opener were Madi Endsley, May Pertofsky, and Audra Wilmes at the outside hitter spots, Katy Wessels and Elise Hani at middle blocker, Molly Wilson at setter, and Lauren Bays at libero. Washington ran a 6-hitter, 2-setter rotation, regularly bringing in Kayce Litzau and Kierstyn Barton.