Picture perfect

Senior setter Ashley Hamilton proved to be one of the best volleyball players in NCAA history Oct. 23, as she had a perfect hitting average that helped the Eagles defeat Weber State University. 

Hamilton broke the school record and tied the Division I record for hitting percentages by hitting 1.000, 12 kills for 12 attacks. That also broke the Washington state record and the Big Sky Conference (BSC) record. She was named BSC Player of the Week for her outstanding performance.

“I can’t play like that unless everyone else is playing good,” said Hamilton. “When I get the second ball, it’s kind of hard to play if the first ball isn’t good.”

“Ashley is just as good as I’ve seen any setter play,” said coach Miles Kydd.

Hamilton also helped the Eagles’ offense get the highest hitting percentage in three years at .488, which helped them trounce Weber State 3-0, with an overwhelming 25-17, 25-7, 25-7 win. This win helped them remain in the three-way tie for first place in the BSC.

“I told the girls that I was in awe of their performance tonight,” said Kydd. “They played really well and I’m proud of them.”

In the first set, the Eagles started strong and won the first four points. Hamilton’s acrobatic saves and quick-sets to Sarah Todorovich worked well against Weber’s “scrappy” play. The blocking duo of Shelby Pucket and Todorovich rejected countless Wildcat spikes.

In the third set of the game, the crowd saw an energetic and excited volleyball team as the Eagles went up 8-1 against the Wildcats keeping their enthusiasm until the end of the set for a dominating win, 25-7. Hamilton ended the first and third sets with her signature dump-set, which looks more like a slamdunk.

Jacque Brown and Chenoa Covaire also hit well against the Wildcats. JaNae Mortensen, who wore the libero shirt this week, also had 14 digs during the game.
On Saturday night, the Eagles had another impressive performance against Idaho State University where they won 25-17, 25-22 and 25-18.

Cora Kellerman, Covaire, Todorovich and Hayley Hills all had high hitting percentages in the first two sets. Hamilton had 24 assists and Mortensen led defensively with 16 digs.

“I think we’ve always had this in us, so it’s just all about us showing up to play and making sure we play our game every time,” said Hamilton.
The Eagles will take on Montana State Oct. 30 and Montana Oct. 31, respectively. Both matches will start at 6 p.m. This will take them closer to the Big Sky Championships in November which will be held at Eastern Washington University.

“It can go any way, but hopefully we’ll carry this feeling with us and just keep playing our game,” said Hamilton. “Basically, I can’t tell you how it’s going to go because we want it to go good but it’s all about who shows up to play that night.”