Walla Walla Edges out MU in Three Sets
MU Sports Information
PORTLAND, Ore. – The Multnomah University volleyball team played their most competitive match in the Cascade Collegiate Conference on Saturday night on Jim Skagen Court, as Walla Walla University edged past the Lions in three close sets 19-25, 23-25, 23-25.
The Lions (2-12, 0-11 CCC) had one of their most efficient hitting nights but fell just short while the win moves the Wolves to 6-11, 3-9 CCC as they compete the season sweep of MU.
How it Happened: Multnomah jumped out to a quick lead in the opening set securing the first point. Their largest lead in set one came a few points later when a kill by freshman Miranda Halverson gave them a 5-2 lead.
The Lions fought off three tying points keeping the lead until a service ace gave the Wolves their first lead of the night at 12-11.
With another tie at 14-14, Walla Walla forced seven straight points, putting the set out of reach for the Lions. MU kept in it, scoring the next five out of seven points but the lead would be too much as the Wolves take set one 25-19.
The Lions weren’t able to start off set two as well as the first one as WWU jumped to an early 9-1 advantage. Despite the deficit, MU fought back scoring two or more consecutive points on seven occasions in set two, eventually coming within one point at 24-23 in favor of the Wolves. A final kill the by wolves gave them the advantage two sets to none.
With the stress of another sweep, the Lions continued to fight, scoring the first four points of the final set before taking an 8-4 advantage. MU held the lead for a majority of the match before the Wolves tied and eventually took the lead 23-22 after a Lexi Shanko ace.
By the Numbers: For the first time this season, Halverson led the team in kills with 15, followed by sophomore outsider Patricia Batoon with 12 kills. Freshman setter Marissa Rhodes tallied her third 30 plus assist night of the season, ending with a career high 32 assists. Junior libero Kiana Miller also tallied a career high and a match high in digs with 22 while Miranda Schmillen added 11 digs.
For the Wolves, Maria Darling led the offense with 10 kills followed by Emily Allen and Lexi Shanko who each had five. Alissa Casey and Lauren Bosler each had 15 and 13 assists respectively while Rylee Sutton tallied 18 digs.
From the Coach: “Halverson had a great night for us all around and Miller was huge for us in the back row,” said head coach Jenna Bouey, “Rhodes did a great job serving and throwing up hittable balls for us. Our energy was great and we fought hard and I’m proud of the way the girls played tonight.”
Coming up Next: The Lions stay at home next weekend as they welcome in Oregon Tech and Southern Oregon for two more conference matches starting Friday, Oct. 16.