Warner Pacific Holds Off Mayville State Comeback Attempt
BOX SCORE
PORTLAND, Ore. – Warner Pacific jumped out to a 2-0 set lead, then withstood a rally from Mayville State (N.D.) to prevail in five sets in the season opening contest for the Knight at C.C. Perry Gym.
The host Knights (1-0) began the match with strong serving and play at the net. Amanda Richards tallied two aces, and WP had 6 total team blocks in the first game which allowed the Knights to prevail 25-17.
The second set was much closer as the score was tied four different times during the frame – the last one at 24-24. Loren Hernandez put away a kill to give the Knights a 25-24 lead, and the set ended with a MSU error. The visiting Comets (5-2) out-hit Warner Pacific 16 kills to 12, but eight attacking errors from MSU proved to be the difference in a 26-24 score in favor of WP.
The tide of the match turned late in set three. Warner Pacific looked to be headed for the sweep, as the Knights built a 18-14 lead. Mayville finished out the frame with a 11-2 run to stun WP and prolong the match. Brittany Olson of MSU had two kills during the burst, and the Comets used five service errors from WP to win 25-21.
Set four belonged to Mayville, as the visitors forged a 12-5 lead early. Warner Pacific managed to cut their deficit to 16-19 but could draw no closer. The Comet defense was particularly good, allowing just eight kills. Emily Liljestrand had nine digs and MSU as a team had 23 in the frame.
Warner Pacific sent the crowd home happy however, and rebounded for a 15-13 win in set five. The deciding game was close to the end, but the Knights pulled away late to lead 14-11, and Jacalyn Chew-Dorsey sealed the victory for WP with a kill. Kim Mulka made her presence known at the net also with four kills in the frame.
Chew-Dorsey began her senior season for WP on a good note as she finished with 12 kills versus just two errors. Loren Hernandez also had 11 kills, and added 15 digs. Kelsey Kurtz directed the offense with 29 assists.
Brittany Olson led four Comets in double figure kills with a match high 13. Emily Liljestrand contributed 36 digs.
MSU was more efficient as a team on the attack, hitting for a .193 percentage compared to .150 for Warner Pacific, but The Knights used advantages in aces (10-2) and total blocks (12-6) to earn the victory.
Warner Pacific will host Corban and Northwest Christian Friday and Saturday as Cascade Conference play begins this weekend.