Franks’ goal powers Central past Saints

LACEY — Brittany Franks’ first-half goal and Amber Easterbrook’s perfect goalkeeping powered Central Washington to a 1-0 GNAC women’s soccer victory Thursday on the Saints’ field.

The victory improved the Wildcats, ranked ninth in this week’s Division II West Region poll, to 4-3 in conference play and 7-4-2 overall. SMU fell to 2-4-1 and 4-8-1.

Franks, a freshman from West Valley, took pass from Miranda Heslep and scored from about 18 yards.

“It was a nice pass from Miranda and Brittany put it just over the goalkeeper,” CWU coach Michael Farrand said. “It was a nice goal for her, and it was a good win to keep us in the rankings.”

Easterbrook made five saves for her seventh shutout of the year.

Central continues conference play Saturday at Western Oregon.

First half: 1, Central Washington, Brittany Franks (Miranda Heslep), 33:00.

Second half: No scoring.

Saves: Amber Easterbrook (CWU) 5; Ashley Engel (SMU) 5.

Chukars blank Yakima Valley

Three different Treasure Valley players scored and goalie Erica Watts made four saves as the Chukars downed Yakima Valley 3-0 on Thursday in an Eastern Region women’s soccer match on the YVCC field.

Sarah Weitz, Hope Powell and Katie Lewis each scored for TV. Yakima Valley goalkeeper Cassie Hester was credited with nine saves.

The Yaks (1-9-3) host Walla Walla today at 2 p.m.

First half: 1,Treasure Valley, Sarah Weitz (Shae Goff), 10:00.

Second half: 2, Treasure Valley, Hope Powell (Dustie Chester), 46:00; 3, Treasure Valley, Katie Lewis (Racheal Collins), 50:00.

Saves: Cassie Hester (YV) 9; Erica Watts (TV) 4.

COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL

Wildcats outlast Seattle Pacific

ELLENSBURG — Kady Try had 17 kills and 10 digs to lead Central Washington past Seattle Pacific 3-1 in GNAC volleyball action Thursday night at Nicholson Pavilion.

The Wildcats won 25-22, 22-25, 25-18, 25-22, improving to 5-3 in conference play and 13-7 overall. The Falcons fell to 1-7 and 3-14.

Selah product Meggie Graf had 15 digs and Maggie Olson totaled 47 assists and 12 digs.

Central continues conference play Saturday at Western Oregon.

Central Washington highlights: Kady Try 17 kills, 10 digs; Rachael Schurman 13 kills,  3 blocks; Erin Norris 12 kills, 13 digs, 2 blocks; Brandie Vea 28 digs; Meggie Graf 15 digs; Maggie Olson 47 assists, 12 digs.

SKATEBOARDING

Ellensburg event set for Saturday

ELLENSBURG — The fifth annual “Ellensburg Sk8 Comp” skateboarding event will be Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Ellensburg Skate Park.

All skaters must have a completed registration form and permission from parents/guardians to participate. The entry fee is $15.

For more information, call 925-8604 or visit the Youth Center at 406 E. Captiol.