Knights Falter In Home Opener
BOX SCORE
PORTLAND, Ore. – Walla Walla University used efficient hitting and solid back row defense to upend Warner Pacific in the Knights 2009 volleyball home opener.
Game 1 saw the visiting Wolves be the aggressor and hit for 10 kills without an error. The Knights managed seven kills, but were undone by eight attack errors.
Game 2 was a much closer contest, as the largest lead by either side was four points. The teams battled to a 23-23 tie before a hitting error and a bad set by the Knights gave the frame to WWU.
The host Knights looked to score a game 3 win by jumping out to a 7-1 lead thanks to crisp serving from Caitlyn McCall. The Wolves slowly crept back in, due in part to the hitting of Ashley Zalsman. The squads again were knotted up late in the game, this time at 24-24. The Wolves secured the three game sweep with a service ace and a kill from Michelle Warner.
The Knights were led by Leah Gradwohl’s 9 kills. Melita Elliot touched up 11 assists, and also led WPC in digs with 10.
Natalie Wilkening posted a match high 14 kills for WWU. Torey Haddad registered 33 assists.
Warner Pacific falls to 1-1 on the young season. Walla Walla improves to 2-2.
The Knights will be back in action tomorrow at 10:00 am, hosting Simpson University in a non-conference tilt.