Photo by Paul Choi
McPherson, Kan. – The McPherson College volleyball team put the NAIA on notice with a statement win on Friday night, sweeping the Oklahoma City University Stars, who came into the match ranked #15 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Coaches' Poll.
This match had everything, a close opening set that went to extras, the Bulldogs won 27-25, a dominant performance in set two, the Bulldogs won 25-17, and a gritty comeback and closeout in set three, the Bulldogs won 25-21.
This is a different Bulldog team than the one that was out there a month ago. This team is playing to win, and closing out matches. In the third set tonight, the Stars got out to a fast start, and led the Bulldogs 5-1. Ten points later, the set was tied at 8. A month ago, the Bulldogs probably would have let the set slip away, and possibly the match, but this Bulldog team is playing with a different level of confidence.Â
Key Statistic
The Bulldogs were animals at the net on defense. They recorded a total of nine blocks, an average of three per set. Â
By the Numbers
Offensively, the Bulldogs hit .227. They had 39 kills on 110 swings with 14 attack errors.
They assisted on 36 of their 39 kills.
Defensively, in addition to their nine blocks, they also came away with 62 digs.
Bulldog Leaders
Kills: Aidan Brown (12)
Digs: Aidan Brown, Katelyn Moore (12)
Assists: Cynarah Rodriguez (32)
Aces: Katelyn Moore, Kamaluhia Akiona (1)
Blocks: Morgan Watson, Sydney Burton (6)
Coach Quote
"It was a great night for Bulldog volleyball against an exceptional opponent. We played consistent and kept our head straight from start to finish. They pressured us at times and we were never shaken. It was a memorable win but now we move to the next." - Cory Cahill
Next Up
The Bulldogs, now 22-7 on the season, have won 25 consecutive sets during their current ten match win streak. They will put that streak on the line again on Saturday evening when they host Hastings College on Senior Night. First serve at the Sport Center is slated for 7:00 pm.
