Photo by Junior Silva
McPherson, Kan. – The McPherson College volleyball team wrapped up the non-conference portion of their 2021 schedule with a 3-1 loss at home to the Texas Wesleyan University Rams, who were receiving votes in the latest NAIA Top 25 Coaches Poll.
Playing for the first time at home this season, the Bulldogs got off to a slow start, dropping the first two sets 25-20 and 25-21. Facing a sweep on their home court, the Bulldogs rallied to take set 3, in dominating fashion 25-18. The Bulldogs continued to apply the pressure in set 4, and led by as many as 4 multiple times during the set. The Rams rallied late and chipped away at the Bulldog lead. Despite the surge by the Rams, the Bulldogs still managed to find themselves with a point to force a deciding 5th set, at 24-23. Unfortunately they were unable to close the deal, and the Rams won three points in a row to steal the set 26-24.
Key Statistic
One key statistic in the match were the number of unassisted kills (10) by the Rams. The majority of the unassisted kills were a result of poor serve receive on the Bulldog side of the floor.
By the Numbers
The Bulldogs finished with a .202 attack percentage with 65 kills on 168 swings with 31 errors.
Four Bulldogs recorded double digit kill totals.
They assisted on 62 of their 65 kills.
Defensively, they were credited with 63 digs and 9 blocks.
Bulldog Leaders
Kills: Aidan Brown, Morgan Watson (16)
Digs: Moriah Delgado (18)
Assists: Cynarah Rodriguez (55)
Aces: Katelyn Moore (2)
Blocks: Morgan Kobe (7)
Coach Quote
"Today concluded the toughest preseason schedule in program history. We learned a lot about ourselves and each other. Now we turn our focus to conference. We know who we are and who we are becoming. We are ready." - Cory Cahill
Next Up
As Coach Cahill alluded to, next up for the Bulldogs is the start of KCAC play. They will get a big test right out of the gate as they go on the road on Wednesday to take on the Kansas Wesleyan University Coyotes at 7:00 pm.
