Corban In Four Over Warner Pacific
PORTLAND, Ore. – After splitting the first two sets, Corban pulled away in sets three and four to defeat Warner Pacific in CCC volleyball action tonight at C.C. Perry Gym.
The Knights have dropped 4 of their last 5 matches and now sit at 6-8 overall and 2-6 in CCC standings. Corban improves to 4-4 in conference with the win.
Set 1 was tight until a 7-1 burst by the visiting Warriors turned a 9-7 lead into a 16-8 margin. Caitlyn McCall keyed a 4-0 run with some crisp serving to try to bring the Knights back, but Corban finished the frame with a 5-1 response and banked a 25-17 win.
WPC made it a contest with a set 2 win, due primarily to deadly serving early from Whitney Valenta. The junior sparked an 8-0 surge that spotted the Knights an 11-2 lead that held up the rest of the set. Corban drew within five at 20-15, but the Knights won 5 of the next 6 points to post the 25-19 win.
A mid set swoon from Warner Pacific handed the 3rd game to the Warriors. With the set tied at 5, Corban won 12 of the next 14 points to take a commanding lead. The Knights managed to climb back within 5 at 15-20, but the Warriors finished strong and won the frame going away, 25-18.
The Knights looked to force a deciding game and stayed within striking distance in set 4 at 11-13. From there the Warriors methodically pulled away, thanks to timely hitting from Jenny Harmon and several Knight errors to win 25-16.
Warner Pacific was led by Leah Gradwohl’s match high 13 kills, plus her 19 digs. Caitlyn McCall added 14 digs and Melita Elliot had 21 assists.
Warrior duo Teri Braun and Morgan Hirzel led Corban with 10 kills each. Chandra Baskoro had 23 digs.
The Knights will try to rebound versus Northwest Christian tomorrow night. Corban is at Concordia tomorrow as CCC play continues.