Photo by Grandview Staff
Des Moines, Iowa - The McPherson College volleyball team's season ended on Saturday night with a 3-2 loss to Grandview University in the Opening Round of the NAIA National Tournament.
It was a well-played match by both sides from the beginning. The Vikings struck first, winning the opening set 25-19. The Bulldogs bounced back in the second set, jumping out to an 8-3 lead then riding the early momentum to a 25-21 set win.
They kept the momentum going in the third, winning the set 25-23 and pushing the Vikings to the brink of elimination. Up against the wall, the Vikings showed why they were at top 15 team this season. Facing elimination, they rallied to win the fourth set 25-14, forcing a fifth and deciding set. The Bulldogs didn't shrink back from the enormity of the moment. They went toe to toe with the Vikings, but in then end couldn't string enough points together in the final set. The Vikings inched away, and in the end won the set 15-11.
Key Statistic
The difference in kill totals between the Bulldogs and Vikings was a single kill, but the Viking defense forced the Bulldogs into 15 more attack attempts.
By the Numbers
The Bulldogs finished with a .129 attack percentage with 59 kills on 202 swings with 38 errors.
They assisted on 55 of their 59 kills.
Defensively, they recorded 89 defensive digs and six blocks.
Bulldog Leaders
Kills: Aidan Brown (20)
Digs: Riley Bradbury (26)
Assists: Cynarah Rodriguez (50)
Aces: Katelyn Moore (3)
Blocks: Mady Woog (5)
Coach Quote
"That was a battle. We were right there with one of the best programs in the nation. We didn't lose tonight, we learned. The future is bright, Go Bulldogs!" - Cory Cahill
 Wrap Up
 In what has been a strange season, split between the fall and spring, the Bulldogs finish the year 23-10 overall, and 19-4 in KCAC matches. The coaching staff will have to replace seven seniors off the 2020-21 team, but with the talent set to return next season, and with Coach Cahill's proven ability to recruit, the future definitely looks bright for the Bulldogs.
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