Wolves Drop Match Against Warriors
Paul Starkebaum, Sports Information Director
Lewiston, Idaho –The Wolves made the trip to Lewiston, Idaho this afternoon to face the Warriors of Lewis-Clark State College (4-6). Walla Walla (1-7) struggled against the strong attack of the Warriors, losing the match 3-0.
By the Numbers
- Sarah Halversen’s 10 kills was the most by an Walla Walla player
- Nilah Mata’afa led the Wolves in digs with 13
- Natalie Batiste and Rachel Gregg each had 10 kills to lead Lewis-Clark
- The Warriors combined for a .358 hitting percentage
How It Happened
The Wolves came into the match with a lot of energy and scoring went back and forth early in the set. Lewis-Clark has a lot of size on the front line but the Wolves defense was in excellent position. Walla Walla pulled within a point 8-7 off a miscue by the Warriors. At this point in the match the momentum turned in favor of Lewis-Clark as they landed several big kills in a row. A Lauren Bosler kill ended the run with the Wolves down 12-9. The Warriors took back possession and continue their intense attack. Sarah Halversen scored the 10th point of the match for the Wolves with a kill in the middle but the Warriors had already put up 16 by this point. Walla Walla was not able to close the gap Lewis-Clark and a kill by the Warriors gave them the opening frame 25-16.
In the second set neither team seemed to find footing, both scoring points off the others mistakes. The Wolves got within 2 points at 8-6 off of a Warriors error. Lewis-Clark began to grind out points and built a 17-11 lead forcing a Walla Walla timeout. Lewis-Clark started a long run behind the serve of Rachel Gregg, who put pressure on the Wolves with her powerful serve. Lewis-Clark was firmly in control the remainder of the set, and a kill by Rachel Gregg ended the second 25-14 putting the Warriors up 2-0.
The third set was the most lopsided of the match, with Lewis-Clark jumping out to a 4-1 lead right away. The Warriors steadily increased their lead with good coverage on defense and a powerful attack at the net. Down 24-10, a long rally ended with the Wolves sending a ball just wide on an attack, ending the set and giving the Warriors a 3-0 victory.
Up Next
Walla Walla is back in Cascade Conference play with a match this Sunday, September 10, hosting Warner Pacific College. The match is set to begin at 1:00 p.m.