McPherson, Kan. – It was a back-and-forth match between McPherson College and Oklahoma Wesleyan University on Wednesday. The 'Dogs took the first and third while the Eagles won the second and fourth, forcing a fifth set. In the end, OKWU was able to take down the Bulldogs 3-2 putting MC at 3-10 on the year and 0-3 in the KCAC.
Mac came right out and punched the Eagles in the jaw, taking a quick 7-2 lead in the opening set. The Lady 'Dogs didn't fall behind once and were able to hold OKWU at bay for the 25-21 set one win.
The second set was neck and neck for the first several points but a 10-5 run by Oklahoma Wesleyan put them ahead 18-13. The Bulldogs put together a run late but fell just short 25-22.
Set number three was another tight battle but this time it was Mac who had the run when needed, ending the match on a 9-4 run for the 25-18 win.
Facing defeat, the Eagles upped their energy and charged out in front of MC midway through the fourth set. The Bulldogs tried to claw back in but it was too late as OKWU put up the last four points for the 25-17 victory.
In the fifth set, both teams struggled to score early but once they got going, Oklahoma Wesleyan flew by Mac and took the match after their 15-6 triumph.
McPherson tallied a total of 13 blocks on the match and hit nearly .200 for the five-setter. Taryn Lee recorded a team-high 15 kills on 41 attempts; she also tallied seven block assists and one solo block for her 19.5 points. Lexi Kite had 10 kills in the five sets; she also logged a team second best 11 digs. Jessica Sanders totaled eight kills to go with her six block assists.
Rhianna Smith topped the setter list with her 18 assists; she had nine digs as well. Maci Schlehuber tabbed 17 assists and also had a pair of service aces.
Emily Warner was able to dig up 22 balls and also had one kill in the match.
Listen to Coach Barton talk about the match in an interview done by MC student Daniel May HERE
The 'Dogs will travel to Bethel College on Saturday the 19th for their next contest; start time is set for 2:00 p.m. (CT)
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McPherson College is a Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference member school and a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
