Photo by Jakob Komel
McPherson, Kan. – The McPherson College volleyball team celebrated senior night on Saturday evening with a straight sets victory over the Bethel College Threshers. Prior to the match, the Bulldogs honored Alex Parish, the lone graduating senior on this year's squad.
The Threshers hung tough with the Bulldogs through the first 15 points of the opening set. The Bulldogs led 8-7 at that point, but then scored seven of the next ten points to open up a five point lead 15-10. From there they continued to extend their lead, outscoring the Threshers 10 to 5 down the stretch to take set one, 25-15.
The second set was a near mirror of the opening set. The first part of the set, the two sides were neck and neck. Twenty points in, the set was tied 10-10. Leading 12-11, the Bulldogs made their move, rattling off four points in a row to open up a five point lead, 16-11. They kept rolling and won nine of the next 13 points to take set two, by the same score 25-15.
The third set was different in that the Bulldogs jumped out to a big lead early, but allowed the Threshers to stay in the set with some sloppy play in the middle portion of the set. At one point the Bulldogs led the Threshers 13-2, and then 17-5, but the visitors started chipping away at the lead. The result was never in doubt, but the Threshers managed to make things a little interesting, coming back and scoring 13 of the final 21 points. In the end, the Bulldogs completed the sweep, winning set three, 25-18.
Key Statistic
Serving was again the key for the Bulldogs against the Threshers. They tallied nine service aces, but kept their opponent out of system for most of the match, which resulted in just 21 kills on 72 swings by the Threshers.
By the Numbers
The Bulldogs doubled the Threshers' kill total with 42 and had an attack percentage of .271.
They assisted on 53 of their 57 kills.
Defensively, they were credited with 61 digs and 3 blocks. Â
Bulldog Leaders
Kills: Aidan Brown (20)
Digs: Bailey Avila (15)
Assists: Cynarah Rodriquez (47)
Aces: Morgan Watson (5)
Blocks: Sydney Burton (3)
Coach Quote
"It's always good to get a sweep at home. We played clean and controlled the match. It's a crazy accomplishment to hold any team to 3 kills in an entire set. Now on to the next." Â - Cory Cahill
 Next Up
 The will moves the Bulldogs to 12-6 on the year, and 8-1 in KCAC play. They will be back in action again next Wednesday, when they go on the road to face the Southwestern College Mound Builders in Winfield, Kansas.
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