McPherson, Kan. – The McPherson College volleyball team improved to 3-2 on the year with a thrilling five set victory over Mayville State University on Friday night, in their first home action of the season.
The Bulldogs jumped out to a quick two sets to none lead over the Comets, winning the first set 25-21 and then following that up with a 25-19 win in set number two. A little lack of focus late in set three cost the Bulldogs the sweep as Mayville took the third 25-23. In the fourth set, the Bulldogs came from six points down and went on an 11-1 run to lead 24-21, poised to clinch the match. But after a Comet timeout, the visitors reeled of six straight points to win the set 26-24, and force a deciding fifth set.
The fifth set was back and forth. The Bulldogs finally got some breathing room late in the set, leading 13-11, but the Comets again rallied, going on a 3-0 run to have match a match point at 14-13. The Bulldogs tied it a 14 and then won the next two points to seal the set 16-14.
Five set matches always have elevated stat totals, but what is impressive from tonight's win are the hitting percentages from the Bulldog hitters. As a team, they collectively hit .208. Aidan Brown (Fr. Sterling, Ill.) led the attack with 22 kills on 55 swings with a .273 average, but Sydney Burton (Sr. Stillwell, Kan.), had the top hitting percentage at .383. She finished with 15 kills on 34 attempts and only two hitting errors. Assisting on all of the Bulldogs kills were Cynarah Rodriguez (Fr. Amarillo, Texas) and Reagin Bromenshenkel (Fr. Phoenix, Ariz.), who both finished with 29.
On defense, Reven Bradbury (Sr. Castle Rock, Colo.), led the Bulldogs with 37 digs, averaging just over seven per set. At the net, the Bulldogs finished with solo blocks, and 12 assisted. Alex Parish (Jr. Rogers, Ark.) led the way with four blocks on the night.
Coach Cahill commented on the win saying, "Tonight we worked hard, but we didn't compete the entire match. We took some major strides forward, and I am excited by the progress we are making. GO BULLDOGS!"
As of now, the Bulldogs will have two weeks off before opening up conference play on September 25th in a triangular match with Sterling College and Friends University hosted by Sterling. Match times are scheduled for 4:00 and 6:00 pm.
