FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Fairfield University Volleyball had a tough test lined up for their 2017 home opener as Washington State came to George Bisacca Court at Alumni Hall for the Fairfield Invitational. The Stags hung tough with the Cougars – currently receiving votes in the AVCA Division I Coaches' Poll and an NCAA Championship Second Round qualifier in 2016 – before falling 3-0 by set scores of 25-20, 25-20 and 25-17.
 
With the loss, Fairfield falls to 3-5. Washington State, which also swept New Hampshire (25-15, 25-22 and 25-13) today at Alumni Hall, improves to 7-1. The Stags were within one point of the Cougars as deep as 17-16 in both the first and second sets, and held an early lead in the third frame against the Pac-12 contender. Tonight's match marked the first time that a Pac-12 program visited Alumni Hall.
 
Sonja Radulovic led the Stags with 10 kills, marking the fourth time she reached double figures this year, and supplemented the effort in the back row with six digs.
 
"Sonja had a great attitude and energy tonight," said Head Coach Todd Kress. "What she brought to the gym today definitely elevated our play as a team."
 
Also on the outside, Mayda Garcia added nine kills while Kaitlyn Fisher notched seven kills from the right side. Kaylie Butts contributed four kills, Luci Albertson had two, and Manuela Nicolini and Skyler Day each landed one. Nicolini also managed the attack from the setter spot, doling out a match-best 27 assists.
 
Garcia's seven digs led a balanced effort in the back row with Radulovic and Nicolini each picking up six. Taylor Rudeen recorded four digs from the libero spot. At the net, Albertson and Nicolini each had a hand in two of the Stags' four total blocks.
 
Rounding out the scoring, Albertson and Rudeen each landed a service ace for the Stags.
 
Washington State was led by 11 kills from McKenna Woodford, while Taylor Mims and Casey Schoenlein each landed nine finishers. Ashley Brown and Penny Tusa shared setting duties, doling out 23 and 14 assists, respectively. Libero Alexis Dirige led all players with eight digs.
 
"We had much better energy tonight, and that will continue to lead to more consistent play," said Kress. "Tomorrow is another great opportunity to get better against  both Washington State and another very tough volleyball team in New Hampshire."
 
The Stags will challenge the four-time defending America East Champion New Hampshire Wildcats (2-7) at 2 p.m. before the 7 p.m. rematch with the Cougars. Both matches will be broadcast by the Stags Sports Network on Facebook Live. Fans can 'like' Fairfield University Athletics on Facebook to receive notifications every time the Stags are on Facebook Live.