McPherson, Kan. – The Bulldogs were at home Tuesday night to host the Sterling College Warriors for the KCAC Tournament Quarterfinals. McPherson looked to extend their undefeated streak in conference play to the tournament, while Sterling aimed to end their losing streak and move on the semifinals.
The Basics
Locations: Holman Fieldhouse
Score: MC 3, SC 0
Records: MC 31-1, SC 16-12
How it Happened
McPherson opened the match with a dominate performance in the first set, hitting an impressive .452. The Bulldogs jumped out to an early 5-1 lead, before stretching their advantage to nine points to force a Sterling timeout. The Warriors scored twice out of the break, but McPherson quickly answered with a six-point run to push the lead to 20-7. The Bulldogs controlled the set the rest of the way, closing it out 25-9 behind a pair of kills from
April Conilogue.
Picking up right where they left off, the Bulldogs built an 10-5 lead, prompting a timeout from Sterling. The Warriors struggled to find an answer for McPherson's attack, managing just seven points through the rest of the set.
Katie Warden led the charge down the stretch, recording three kills in the second half of the frame to help the Bulldogs secure a 25-12 win and go up 2-0 in the match.
Set three started as a close battle before McPherson found it's rhythm again, pulling ahead 12-6. Sterling struggled to close the gap, and the Bulldogs sealed the sweep with
Brooke McHale's 13
th kill of the night to clinch the set.
McHale led the Bulldogs at the service line with four aces to go with her team-leading 13 kills.
Roxana Varela Parra turned in another strong performance, dishing out 30 assists along with seven digs, two kills, and two aces.
Up Next
McPherson will take on Oklahoma Wesleyan University at Holman Fieldhouse on Friday night in the semifinals. First serve is set for 7:30 PM.
