DAYTONA BEACH, FL.--Westminster made steady improvements with each match of the tournament and finished the day sweeping Shaw University. The Griffins finished the weekend with a 1-3 record.
Westminster's day began early with a match against Lynn University. Westminster only scored consecutive points twice as Lynn took control to win the first set 25-14.
The second set started and looked like Lynn would cruise to another comfortable win. Down 15-8, Westminster made a 6-2 run cutting the Knights' lead to two. Lynn stopped the Griffin run momentarily and scored three consecutive points after which Westminster made a 6-1 run to take their first lead, 20-19.
Lynn regained a three-point lead but could not swing the momentum their way. Kills from juniors
Sydnee Simmons and
Ketrah Dekanich, and sophomore
Audrey Green gave the Griffins the chance to serve for the set. A block by Green and Simmons won the set, 25-23.
With the exception of two lead changes early in the third set, Lynn led for most of the set. A 10-3 run, late in the third set gave the Griffins hope of winning the third set but the Knights were able to regain their focus after a timeout to score three crucial points to win the set, 25-23.
The late comeback in the third set may have taken its toll on Westminster as errors increased and gave nine points to the Knihgts. An early nine-point lead for the Knights was too much for the Griffins to overcome. A late offensive surge, five consecutive points, got the Griffins into double-digits before the set ended in Lynn's favor, 25-17, and the match, 3-1.
Westminster finished the tournament with a match against Shaw University. Both teams entered the match looking for their first match win of the tournament and year.
The first set was a tug-a-war. Westminster quickly got out to a 6-1 lead but Shaw got themselves back in the game with a seven-point run. The Griffins took the lead back at 15-14, from there the score was tied seven times and changed three times. The Griffins came out on top after score in four points in a row to finish the set, 25-22.
Both teams wrestled for control early in the second set until Green, with five killls, and teammates made a 12-2 run for an 11-point lead, 24-13. After a few points for Shaw, senior Whitney Wakefied's attack won the set, 25-16.
Westminster took control of the final set, and the match, at 8-7. An 8-3 gave them a large enough lead that Shaw could not overcome. Senior
Breanna Vawter's service ace finished the set and the match.
Wakefield was strong in both matches, hitting .455 and recording five blocks.
Audrey Green led the team in attempts and finished with a combined hitting percentage of .250 and recording five block assists.
Junior Aggie Roese-Olsen recorded 59 assists in the two matches. Freshman Katie Jacox recorded 11 assists against Lynn University.
Amber Lamborn led the team in digs with 24 over the two matches. Junior
Hannah Stearman record 18, Green tallied 16 and Olsen had 14.
Support the Griffins next weekend as they host Fort Lewis, Lubbock Christian, Truman State and MSN Mankato in the Westminster Invitational. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the door before the match. Game times can be found on the volleyball schedule webpage.
Stay up to date with Westminster Athletics through Facebookl (wcgriffins), Twitter (@wc_griffins) and Instagram (wcgriffins). Follow the Westminster volleyball team on Instagram (westminstervolleyball).
