Photo by Jakob Komel
McPherson, Kan. – The McPherson College volleyball team wrapped up the regular season on Wednesday evening, falling to the Ottawa University Braves 3-1 at the Sport Center.
The Bulldogs played well in sets one and two, but couldn't match level of play by the Braves when they turned it up a notch in sets three and four. Set one was even until late when the Bulldogs got caught in a bad rotation and the Braves rattled off eight of the final 11 points to win the set 25-20.
In the second set, the Bulldogs regrouped. They went on a 5 point run late in the set, to bounce back and square the match at one, with a 25-22 win. In set three, the Bulldogs looked out of sorts, and never got comfortable. The Braves took advantage and took a two sets to one lead, winning set three, 25-17.
Facing elimination, the Bulldogs tried to rally, but they dug themselves too big of a hole early, and they couldn't climb out of it. The Braves clinched the match, winning set four, 25-18.
Key Statistic
Serving was the key for the Braves, and the Achilles heel for the Bulldogs on Wednesday. The Bulldogs had just 1 ace to 10 service errors while the Braves had 7 aces and 9 errors. The Bulldogs were out of system for a majority of the night, while the Braves stayed in system and were able to run their whole offense.
By the Numbers
The Bulldogs hit .177 on the night with 45 kills on 130 swings with 22 errors.
They assisted on 43 of their 45 kills.
Defensively, they were credited with 53 digs and 5 blocks. Â
Bulldog Leaders
Kills: Katelyn Moore (16)
Digs: Cynarah Rodriquez (16)
Assists: Cynarah Rodriquez (36)
Aces: Cynarah Rodriquez (1)
Blocks: Morgan Watson, Morgan Kobe (4)
Coach Quote
"Tonight was a battle. It was a fun match and environment. Though we didn't come out on top, we learned a lot and we will look to continue to improve going into the conference tournament." Â - Cory Cahill
 Next Up
The Bulldogs finish the regular season at 14-7 overall, and 10-2 in the KCAC. Wednesday's loss leaves them as the regular season runner-up in the conference, and they will be the #2 seed heading into the KCAC tournament next week. They will get an opening round bye and then open with the quarterfinals at Hutchinson Sports arena next Friday. Their opponent and match time is TBA.
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