Cougars Seek First Fresno Win Since 2000 in Pac-12 Opener
Washington State volleyball travels to Fresno State and Oregon State to launch conference play with strong blocking stats.
Key points
- Washington State volleyball opens Pac-12 play at Fresno State on Sept. 24, seeking a first win since 2000.
- Naomi White ranks third in the nation with 1.76 blocks per set, leading a top-tier defensive unit.
- The Cougars face Oregon State on Sept. 26, holding a 60-45 all-time series lead against the Beavers.
The Washington State women’s volleyball team leaves Pullman for a two-stop road trip. They face Fresno State on September 24, 2026, at 6 p.m. The match kicks off their Pac-12 conference schedule immediately. The gym floor in Fresno awaits the Cougars.
This is not a casual stop. The Cougars have lost five of the last six meetings against the Bulldogs. They have not beaten Fresno State since the year 2000. The air in the arena will be thick with expectation. Every spike lands with weight in this rivalry.
Blocking defines the current season
Washington State posts one of the nation’s best defenses. They rank third in blocks per set. Their net play forces opponents into difficult shots. The Cougars have recorded eight or more blocks in nine of ten matches this season. In six of those games, the total reached twelve or more.
Naomi White anchors this defensive wall. She ranks third in the country with 1.76 blocks per set. Her total of 65 blocks places her fifth nationally. She recently earned Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week honors. Her arms stretch high, sealing the net against attackers.
Depth supports the offensive rhythm
Audrey Hollis drives the ball movement. She has recorded at least three kills and 15 assists in five straight matches. Kryssa Moerman adds physical presence at the net. She has posted four or more blocks in four of the last five games. The squad sits at 5-5 overall.
Injuries have tested the roster, but resilience holds. Eleven of the seventeen players are new additions this year. Each of the six returners is in their second season. This mix of fresh energy and veteran grit shapes the team's identity. They hold opponents to below a .135 hitting percentage five times.
Historical context shapes the road trip
The Cougars lead the all-time series against Oregon State. The record stands at 60-45 in their favor. They have won eleven of the last thirteen meetings. This familiarity offers comfort against the Beavers. The road trip continues to Oregon State on September 26 at 1 p.m.
Both games broadcast live on Pac-12 YouTube. The home crowd at Bohler Gym has historically provided a strong advantage. The team boasts a .635 winning percentage there since 1991. Now, the Cougars must perform away from that familiar roar. The road to conference success begins in Fresno.
