Warner Pacific Bounces Back Versus Simpson
PORTLAND, Ore. – Rebounding from a tough loss the day before, Warner Pacific defeated Simpson University in non-conference volleyball action today at C.C. Perry Gym. The rare morning match lasted five games as the Knights came back from a 2 games to 1 deficit to earn the victory.
Set 1 was dominated by the Knights as they staked a 5-0 lead out of the gate and never looked back. WPC swung for 9 kills versus just 2 errors in the frame and won going away, 25-9.
Simpson regrouped for sets 2 and 3, clicking off close wins by the scores of 25-20 and 25-21. Redhawk hitters Kristina Gibson and Megan Heine began to find the gaps in the Knight defense.
Set 4 belonged to the hosts as the Knights methodically surged ahead after the teams were tied 5-5. Leah Gradwohl swung for 5 kills and dug up 9 balls defensively to lead WPC to a 25-15 win.
In the deciding set 5, Molly Webb and Sam Kolakowski provided several blistering serves that put the visitors on their heels and disrupted the Redhawk offense. Brianne Culbertson also chipped in with a key service ace that pushed the Knight lead to an insurmountable 11-5. Gradwohl put the finishing touch on the five set win with an emphatic kill as WPC triumphed in set 5 15-7.
“We showed some resiliency today, which is encouraging,” said head coach Kim Pierce. “We need to work on our consistency and minimize our mental errors, but we had a much better overall effort.”
Gradwohl came alive with 19 kills and 19 digs to pace the Knights. Sam Kolakowski looked much more comfortable today and added 13 kills. Melita Elliot directed the offense with 43 assists, and Caitlyn McCall equaled Gradwohl with 19 digs.
As a team, Warner Pacific swung for 50 kills and a .161 percentage versus Simpson’s 35 and .077. The Redhawks did manage 5 total blocks at the net, with the Knights unable to register a block.
Gibson led the visitors with 14 kills. Heine added 11 kills and 15 digs.
The Knights will be in action again on Wednesday, September 2 versus George Fox at C.C. Perry Gym. First service is at 7:00pm