Eastern Washington Volleyball Sweeps Chicago State to Start Season 2-0
Eastern Washington cruised past Chicago State in straight sets (25-9, 25-17, 25-16) to earn its second consecutive sweep to open the 2026 season, according to Eastern Washington University Athletics. The victory marked the Eagles’ second consecutive sweep to open the 2026 season, with Kalista Lukovich leading the offensive attack and head coach Jon Haruguchi emphasizing team execution.
Dominant Offense and Defensive Control Drive Seattle Sweep
The Eagles established command early in the match, surrendering just nine points to Chicago State in the opening set. Eastern Washington maintained its momentum through the second and third frames, closing out the straight-sets victory decisively. According to Eastern Washington University Athletics, head coach Jon Haruguchi expressed satisfaction with the team’s depth and execution.
“We’re very pleased with the outcome today,” Haruguchi stated, as reported by Eastern Washington University Athletics. “We were able to get a few other folks onto the court and they all contributed immediately. Super stoked and now we need to get prepared for what’s next.”
Individual statistics highlighted a comprehensive team effort on the court. Kalista Lukovich led the Eagles offensively with 17 kills while hitting .500, according to Eastern Washington University Athletics. Playmaking duties were anchored by Jailyn Davenport, who dished out 26 assists. On the defensive side, Elle Bruegman recorded nine digs, while Aspyn Reed finished with six service aces.
Building Momentum in the Early 2026 Campaign
Securing back-to-back straight-set sweeps provides the Eagles with a strong foundation as the 2026 schedule progresses. Early-season matches test rotation depth and tactical adjustments, elements that coaching staffs monitor closely. According to Eastern Washington University Athletics, the squad successfully integrated bench players into high-pressure rotations during the Seattle matchups.
The Eagles turn their preparation toward upcoming fixtures on the 2026 slate. The coaching staff’s ability to distribute playing time effectively during these opening matches ensures valuable court experience for both veteran leaders and emerging roster members as the season intensifies.