SALINA, Kan. — The (RV) McPherson College Bulldogs began conference play Wednesday (Sep. 20) in Salina, Kan., but fell 3-1 to the Kansas Wesleyan University Coyotes.
The Bulldogs had an opportunity to put the Coyotes on their heels early, as they grabbed a 19-15 lead in the opening set. Then a kill by Petra Fernandez put them on top 24-22. However, from there the Coyotes scored the final four points to steal the first set 26-24.
Both teams were efficient offensively in the opening frame with the Bulldogs hitting .306 as a team with just two errors, and the Coyotes finishing with a .302 attacking percentage.
Tied 14-14 in set two, the Coyotes scored eleven of the next 14 points to take a 2-0 lead in the match.
The Bulldogs turned it on in the third set using a .400 attacking percentage to win the set 25-15, but too many mistakes in the fourth set helped the Coyotes take down MC, 25-19.
Petra Fernandez paced the Bulldogs (8-4, 0-1 KCAC) offensively, finishing with 15 kills while adding 15 digs. Zoe Fernandez had 11 kills on 22 swings. Raegan Murphy recorded a career-high 30 assists, while Moriah Delgado finished with a team-best 25 digs.
The Bulldogs will be back at the Sport Center for a busy weekend, taking on Briar Cliff on Friday (Sep. 22) night at 7:00 p.m., before a huge conference bout against (RV) Oklahoma Wesleyan Saturday (Sep. 23) starting at 5:00 p.m.
