McPHERSON, Kan. -- In a match where both teams struggled to find offensive consistency, the John Brown University volleyball team found ways to piece together key runs that resulted in a sweep (25-21, 25-22, 25-23) of Central Christian (Kan.) on Friday night (Sept. 12) inside Jerry Alexander Arena.
While the Golden Eagles (6-5, 2-1 Sooner Athletic) hit only .110 (33-21-109), the visitors limited Central Christian (2-7, 0-4) to a mere .059 (30-23-118) attacking effort on the evening, but the front-row defense stepped up with a season-high 11.0 blocks. Sophomore Federica Ferrari and junior Akayla Kador each stepped up with five rejections, while sophomore Mallory Jury scooped up 26 digs in the back row – a new career high.
"We started tonight's match started strong, which is what I hoped to see after the long bus ride to McPherson," admitted head coach Ken Carver. "We had our best attacking performance in the first set (.226), but after that the match quickly turned into a series of unforced errors by both teams. To our players' credit, our serving stayed aggressive throughout, and our block did an outstanding job when Central Christian was able to attack. Those two facets alone allowed us to earn a sweep on a night when we struggled to find any offensive rhythm. In sets two and three, we found ways to win while keeping our composure – either protecting a small lead or battling back from a deficit.
"Our first conference road win was the next important growth step for this group. We still have plenty to iron out, but I love the energy, positive outlook, and "no matter what" attitude our young team is showing in finding ways to win tightly-contested matches. That grit and resiliency will be crucial as we progress through the rest of the conference schedule."
Senior Emma-Kate Schaefer recorded four of her team-leading nine terminations in the first set, and the Blue and Gold used a timely 6-3 run to force set point in the first, which freshman Kate Carlson ended with a kill to produce a 1-0 advantage.
The second and third sets combined for 24 ties and 11 lead changes, all of which fell JBU's way.
Down 23-22 in the second, a pair of Tiger errors coming out of a Golden Eagle timeout changed the momentum, only to be followed by an ace from freshman Paige Addington. Kador smacked a kill at set point to double the John Brown advantage.
An ace from sophomore Tessa Burton gave JBU a late 21-19 lead in the third, but a late CCCK run tied the set at 23 apiece. Burton then passed out a pair of assists to Ferrari and Carlson to close the match in sweeping fashion.
Freshman Taylor Kosmicki passed out nine assists, and Burton served up a career-high four aces in the win.
The Blue and Gold will return to the court Saturday afternoon (Sept. 13) in a 1:00 p.m. matchup at Langston (Okla.) to finish the weekend. The SAC Sports Network and the Urban Edge Network will carry the action live from C.F. Gayles Fieldhouse.
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