Volleyball | 10/2/2009 12:00:00 AM
Box Score McPherson, Kan. – The Bulldogs volleyball squad dropped a 3-1 decision to University of Saint Mary (12-25, 26-24, 20-25, 24-26) Wednesday night at the McPherson College Sport Center.
McPherson struggled offensively hitting a season low .080 on 138 attempts. Freshman Natalie Boss led McPherson in kills with nine, while the Spires held McPherson team leader, Kiley Loesch to a season low five kills.
“We did not play up to our ability,” said McPherson head coach Susan Barton. “On a positive note, our serve receive and passing was much better than our last match against Ottawa. That is a big positive.”
McPherson looked sluggish in the opening set, allowing the Spires to jump out to an early six-point lead, 10-4. The Bulldogs would continue their struggles before falling in set one 25-13. McPherson ended set one with 10 errors and only four kills. USM out-hit the Bulldogs, .286- (-0.194).
The Bulldogs found themselves down late in set two, but fought back to bring the game even at 22. USM scored the next two points, giving them a 24-22 lead, but were unable to fight off the surging Bulldogs. McPherson eventually won the set 26-24 on Dana Gordon kill, her second in three points.
The Spires came back in set three, using strong play out of senior hitter Stephanie Wright to key an early run on their way to a 25-20 victory to take a one set lead in the match, 2-1. The Spires out-hit the Bulldogs, .485-.132, on their way to the win in third set.
For the first time all night, McPherson jumped out to an early lead in set four, but the Bulldogs were unable to hold off the Spire for long. USM narrowed the four-point gap, bringing the game even at 13. The two sides traded points the remainder of the set until two McPherson errors gave USM the win in the set and the match, 26-24.
The loss dropped the Bulldogs record to 4-9 (3-3 KCAC), while the Spires improved their record to 4-12 (2-7 KCAC).
McPherson goes back on the road to take on Sterling College and Manhattan Christian College Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. The matches will be held on the campus of Sterling College.
