// Photo by Alex Moreno By Conor Wilson VOLLEYBALL Retaining their No. 2 national ranking this week, Vikings volleyball remained undefeated after two 3-1 victories, improving to a 6-0 record in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play. The Vikings played a home match Tuesday, almost beating Simon Fraser in straight sets: 25-17, 25-13, 23-25, 25-16. Redshirt freshman Calley Heilborn delivered an outstanding performance, leading the team with 14 kills, including two aces and 12 digs. On the road for their second match of the week, the Vikings defeated Montana State Billings in four sets 12-25, 25-21, 25-20, 28-26. Heilborn had another successful performance recording her 11th double-double this season leading the team in kills, blocks and digs. Sophomore pin hitter Tess Biscup also provided 13.5 points off the bench, with a career high 13 kills. With the victory, the Vikings are off to a program best. A 14-0 start across all competitions, beating their 13-0 start from 2008. Western will host Saint Martin’s University on Thursday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m.. MEN’S SOCCER: The Viking men opened up GNAC play in a physical 3-1 victory against Seattle Pacific University on Thursday. The game saw a combined 34 fouls and three yellow cards for SPU. The Vikings got off to a lightning fast start with a goal 32 seconds into the match from senior forward Ryan Schaefer. In the 76th minute, with the game tied at one, Schaefer delivered again, punching home the go-ahead goal from 12 yards out for his fourth of the season. Redshirt freshman midfielder Alessandro Tomasi topped off Western’s victory with his first goal of the season in the 84th minute. The Vikings will attempt to remain undefeated in GNAC play as they take on Concordia University at home on Saturday, Oct. 12. SOFTBALL: Western softball continued their fall preseason on Saturday, with a double-header against Seattle University. The Vikings will play another preseason matchup against the University of Washington on Saturday, Oct. 12, at Husky Softball Stadium.
