Huskies Work Out Exhibition Win Over Pilots

Friday, August 23

Seattle, WA

6:00 PM

University of Washington

Portland (Exh.)

August 23, 2024 | Volleyball

By: UW Athletic Communications

SEATTLE – A reloaded Washington Volleyball got its first taste of competition tonight at Alaska Airlines Arena, as the Huskies hosted Portland in an exhibition match, with the official opener just one week away. The Dawgs shook off the rust in an opening set loss, then rolled in the next three sets for the 3-1 victory.

Washington will not be back at home until Sept. 13 to face rival Washington State. The opening week will take UW to Bozeman, Mont. where it will start its season at Montana State on Aug. 30.

The Dawgs hit over .300 and had 14 blocks in the 23-25, 25-14, 25-14, 25-13 win.

Head Coach Leslie Gabriel and staff were able to take a look at a number of lineup combinations as they prep for their first season in the Big Ten. Several new Huskies put the white home jersey on for the first time tonight and introduced themselves to the home fans. Freshmen Julia Hunt and Alexis Haury saw extensive play, as did transfers Kiune Fletcher and Zoria Heard, with transfer Sophia Tulino coming in to start set four. Redshirt freshman Brooke Huard also saw her first match action in Hec Ed.

Sophomore Kierstyn Barton was the offensive standout tonight as she hammered 16 kills and hit .667 in just three sets. Fletcher and Madi Endsley both added 10 kills. Haury had 22 assists and Molly Wilson had 14 assists, and Heard led the defense with 15 digs. Katy Wessels was credited with a team-high seven blocks.