STANFORD, Calif. – The top-ranked Stanford women’s volleyball team swept visiting Washington State, 25-21, 25-9, 25-20, Friday, at Maples Pavilion in Stanford, Calif. The Cardinal moves to 12 overall and 2-0 in the Pac-12, while the Cougars fall to 9-5 and 0-2 in the conference.
Stanford was led by junior middle blocker Inky Ajanaku, a human biology major from Tulsa, Okla., who tallied 11 kills, four blocks and a season high three assists. Senior opposite Morgan Boukather added nine kills on a .375 hitting percentage, while redshirt freshman middle blocker Merete Lutz tallied eight kills on 16 errorless swings.
Junior setter Madi Bugg finished with 30 assists, six digs and two blocks, while senior libero Kyle Gilbert had a match-high 16 digs. Junior outside hitter Brittany Howard added seven kills and six digs.
As a team, Stanford hit .283 while holding WSU to a .113 clip. The Cardinal has held seven of its 12 opponents under a .150 hitting percentage this season.
Washington State was led by sophomore outside hitter Kyra Holt, who posted 10 kills and 12 digs. Senior Jaicee Harris added nine kills and six digs.
Following the match, the Cardinal had a surprise visit in the locker room from Condoleezza Rice, a professor of political science at Stanford, who was in attendance.
Stanford will be back in action on Friday, Oct. 3 as it plays host to No. 13 Oregon. The Cardinal and Ducks will square off at 7 p.m. PT on ESPNU.