Seawolves look sharp in GNAC volleyball opener

The UAA volleyball team looked sharp in its conference opener Thursday night at the Alaska Airlines Center.

Playing in front of a crowd of 1,042, the Seawolves swept Northwest Nazarene 26-24, 25-17, 25-15 behind 10 blocks and a .241 attack percentage.

Five players totaled seven kills or more, including senior outside hitter Chrisalyn Johnson, who had team highs of nine kills and 19 digs.

Putting up a solid block were Tara Melton (6 blocks assists), Eve Stephens (5) and Vera Pluharova (5).

Vanessa Boyer matched Johnson's nine kills to help UAA move to 7-1 overall and 1-0 in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. Melton and Stephens had eight kills apiece and Taylor Noga chipped in seven.

Northwest Nazarene (0-8, 0-1) was led by Abbey Blum's 14 kills.

UAA returns to action Saturday with a 7 p.m. match against Central Washington.