Bulldogs Runner-Up at KCAC Championships

Photo by Chandler Short

Hutchinson, Kan. – The McPherson College volleyball team came up short in their efforts to win a KCAC conference tournament championship, falling in the tournament finals in five sets, to regular season champ, Ottawa University.

The Braves took the opening set 25-21, but the Bulldogs rallied to win sets two and three, 25-19 and 25-20. Set four was extremely tight, but late in the set, the Bulldogs led 21-18, just four points away from their first KCAC tournament title. Unfortunately the Braves dug in and played some of their best volleyball of the match. They won seven of the final nine points to win 25-23 and even the match at two sets a piece and force a 5^th and deciding set.

The Braves jumped out to a quick lead in the final set, and though the Bulldogs rallied late, the early deficit was too much to overcome, and the Braves took set five 15-12.

Key Statistic

One of the differences in the match was defense at the net. The Bulldogs finished with three blocks while the Braves turned the Bulldogs back nine times.

By the Numbers

The Bulldogs outscored the Braves 106-104 and had nine more kills 70-61.

MC had a .207 attack percentage recording their 70 kills on 203 swings with 28 errors.

They assisted on 58 of their 70 kills.

Defensively, they were credited with 96 digs and 3 blocks. 

Bulldog Leaders

Kills: Aidan Brown (21)

Digs: Cynarah Rodriquez (29)

Assists: Cynarah Rodriquez (52)

Aces: Zoe Jerke (3)

Blocks: Morgan Watson, Morgan Kobe (2)

Coach Quote

"We have so many things to be proud of today. Being in such a big moment and battling to the very end is exactly what a championship match should be. We played some of the best volleyball of our season this weekend, we just came up short. We will learn and grow from it. Now to the next step, nationals."- Cory Cahill

Next Up

 As the KCAC tournament runner-up the Bulldogs will receive the KCAC's second automatic qualifier to the NAIA national tournament. They will find out who, where, and when they play on Monday morning at 10:00 am during the NAIA's selection show. The show will be streamed live on the NAIA's Facebook Page.