McPherson, Kan. – It was a tight match throughout with both McPherson College and Bethany College staying on each other's heels and never letting the lead get too far out of reach. After five sets it was the Bulldogs that came out triumphant over the Swedes 3-2. Mac earned a much needed win as they were in a six-game losing streak.
In the opening set, MC held the edge from the get go and stayed just far enough away while holding off a late Bethany comeback for the 25-19 win. In the second, BC made a 10-0 run midway through and ended the set with a 25-18 win. Set number three again went the way of the Swedes as they won 25-19 to take a 2-1 lead. With their backs against the wall, McPherson came out determined and coasted to a 25-16 triumph. The final set was all tied at 7-7 but then the Lady Bulldogs used the crowd-given adrenaline to claim eight of the next 10 points to win 15-9.
The two middle hitters were on fire for Mac as Cortlyne Huppe and Taryn Lee tallied 15 and 14 kills, respectively; the duo were also in on a total of 14 blocks. Leading the blocking Bulldogs was Phoebe Barton who logged 11 total with two being solo stuffs; she also had 12 assists in the five-set match. Taylor Johnson tabbed a team-high 28 assists and also had 16 digs, and nine kills herself. Emily Warner led the team in digs with 19 from her libero position; the sophomore recorded two kills as well.
Mac has a home match next Monday, November 3 with the Threshers of Bethel College; the match is scheduled to get underway at 7:00 p.m. in the Sport Center.
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McPherson College is a Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference member school and a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
