With the season on the line, the Corban University volleyball team was at its best against Reinhardt University, downing the Eagles in straight sets. (Photo Credit: Chris Wells)
SIOUX CITY, Iowa – With the season on the line, the Corban University volleyball team was at its best against Reinhardt University on Thursday afternoon, sweeping the Eagles (25-23, 25-22, 26-24) to clinch the program's third-straight appearance in the NAIA Final 16.
"I am so proud of this team and how hard they have worked to get this far," said head coach Kim McLain. "It is a testament to their talent and the unity they have both on and off the court. We look forward to preparing for our match tomorrow!"
It was a dominating performance when the squad needed it most, as Corban blended a balanced offensive attack with a relentless defensive presence at the net to earn the straight-set triumph.
The Warriors maintained control for the majority of both sets one and two. Though the Eagles fought valiantly to mount a comeback at the end of each game, Corban was able to endure Reinhardt's late runs to edge out a pair of narrow victories.
The tables were turned in set three, with the Warriors forced to play from behind until the set's final moments. Down 24-22, the Navy and Gold rattled off four-straight points to stun the Eagles and advance to the next stage of the NAIA National Tournament.
Avari Ridgway led the team in kills with 12 in the triumph, while Demi Winters delivered yet another standout effort for McLain with her eight-kill (.400 attack percentage) performance. Warrior rookies Tori Edwards (seven kills, .353 attack percentage) and Jacquelyn Clark (five kills, .400 attack percentage) also provided timely hitting in the victory.
It was Corban's defense that shined brightest on Thursday, however, as the Navy and Gold racked up 22 block assists to shut down Reinhardt's attack. Winters, Clark, and Regan Murray each finished with five block assists apiece, with the Warriors' 10 total blocks matching the team's season high in 2018.
Somewhat fittingly, it was a pair of consecutive blocks in set three that capped off Corban's game-winning rally and clinched the Warriors' third-consecutive berth in the NAIA elimination bracket.
Corban will battle defending national champion Lindsey Wilson tomorrow at 1:45 p.m. PST. The Blue Raiders finished as the top seed of Pool F, and are currently ranked No. 6 nationally. The winner of tomorrow's match will advance to the NAIA Final 8 and play again later in the day, taking on the winner of Missouri Baptist and Midland.