SIOUX CITY, Iowa – Facing off against No. 5-ranked Northwestern College (Iowa), the No. 13-ranked Corban University volleyball team was unable to upset the top-seeded Red Raiders in the second pool play match of the NAIA National Championships. Northwestern defeated the Navy and Gold in three sets (25-14, 25-10, 25-17) to advance to the NAIA Quarterfinals.
The loss marks the conclusion of yet another impressive campaign for the Warriors.
"We had a quick start to this season, and with all of the uncertainty, I am so proud of this team and how they have battled all season," said head coach Kim McLain. "I am honored and blessed to coach a team with great character and work ethic. I am excited to continue the journey with this team in the fall!"
The contest began as a back-and-forth affair, as both squads battled for footing while trading points for much of the match's first set.
Northwestern began to garner some separation midway through the game. Leading 11-10 in the opening set, the Red Raiders went on a 14-4 run to close the stanza, catching fire offensively.
Northwestern then rode that momentum to a strong start in set two, claiming 13 of the second game's first 16 points. That early deficit would be too much for the Warriors to overcome, as the Navy and Gold attack struggled to find traction, hitting at a -.032 clip through the first two sets.
With their backs against the wall in set three, Corban fought valiantly to force another set, but the squad was unable to contain the high-powered Northwestern offense.
All-American attacker A.J. Kacmarynski turned in an impressive performance in the Raiders' triumph, leading all players with 12 kills on a remarkable .800 attacking percentage. Fellow All-American Makenzie Fink was right behind her with 10 kills on a .471 clip, while the defending NAIA Player of the Year Anna Wedel chipped in nine putaways (.333 attack percentage).
As a team, the Raiders hit at a .430 percentage.
For Corban, Rylee Troutman turned in a strong individual performance in the defeat. The 2020 Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) Freshman of the Year racked up a team-high seven kills, while attacking at an efficient .316 mark.
Her fellow All-CCC attackers Ally Tow (six kills) and Avari Ridgway (five kills) ranked second and third on the team in kills on Wednesday. Jadyn Mullen handed out 14 assists on Wednesday, while Ciarra Judson added eight.
On the defensive end of things, Kealani Ontai registered 12 digs, which was the most of any performer on either team.
Despite the unique nature of the 2020-21 spring season—a campaign filled with uncertainty, challenges, and unorthodoxy due to the COVID-19 pandemic—the Warrior volleyball team once again showcased the type of talent and resiliency that have made it one of the premiere programs in the NAIA in the past half decade.
Corban finishes the season at 14-5 overall, boasting its third-ever CCC Tournament Championship and making an appearance at the NAIA National Tournament for the fifth-consecutive season.
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