Chadron, Nebraska - The Westminster University volleyball team aimed to secure another conference win as they faced off against Chadron State College in a thrilling match at the Chicoine Center. In a heart-pounding matchup the Westminster Griffins staged a remarkable comeback, ultimately defeating Chadron State College in a thrilling five-set showdown.
Set 1: Griffins Take the Lead In the first set, the Griffins displayed their attacking prowess, recording 44 attacks compared to the Eagles' 33. This offensive onslaught resulted in 18 kills, and the Griffins boasted an impressive .273 hitting percentage, securing a 25-20 victory in set one.
Set 2: Eagles Fight Back The second set saw a similar trend, with the Griffins outperforming their opponents with 45 attacks against 36 by the Eagles. However, Chadron State College utilized three blocks and service aces to edge out the Griffins, evening the match with a 25-20 set two win.
Set 3: Eagles Rally Set three began with a rally by the Eagles, during which they scored eight consecutive points, put them in a commanding position. This ultimately led to a dominant set three victory with a final score of 25-8.
Set 4: Griffins Fight Back The Griffins bounced back with incredible resilience in the fourth set, exhibiting their determination to extend the match. With 15 kills and a crucial service ace, along with an imposing defensive performance featuring four key blocks, they dominated set four with a commanding score of 25-17.
Set 5: A Nail-Biter The game swung back and forth as both teams fought fiercely in the fifth set. In a decisive moment, it was Mailei Myers who delivered the final kill of the night, securing the set with a score of 15-11 and the overall victory for the Griffins.
Key Players:
- Mailei Myers emerged as a standout performer with 14 kills, leading the team in offensive contributions.
- Regan Jackson and Claire Cook added 11 kills each, further bolstering the team's offensive efforts.
- Leila Cornejo facilitated the team's plays effectively, tallying 33 assists, ensuring a well-coordinated offense.
- On the defensive front, Myers led the team with 3.5 blocks, while Jackson contributed 2.5 blocks. Breegan Huntsman and Cornejo displayed exceptional defensive prowess, each amassing 14 digs.
Up Next: Westminster University will continue their conference matchups with two games in Spearfish, South Dakota, on Friday, October 27, against Western Colorado, and on Saturday, October 28, against Black Hills State University. Fans can catch both games on the RMAC Network next weekend.
To stay updated with the latest news and developments in Westminster Athletics, follow the team on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter at @WUGriffins. Alternatively, visit westminstergriffins.com to remain in the loop with all the exciting news surrounding Westminster's sports scene.