Spartans Open A-R-C Play with Sweep of Kohawks
Sep 12, 2018
UD opened American Rivers Conference with a win and were cheered on by a loud student section on Wednesday night.
DUBUQUE, Iowa – The University of Dubuque volleyball team opened up American Rivers Conference action in grand fashion, sweeping the Coe College Kohawks in straight sets (31-29,25-13,31-29).
The Spartans (7-3, 1-0 A-R-C) held a two point lead for the majority of the opening set until the Kohawks (7-3, 0-1 A-R-C) rattled off three straight points to grab a 24-23 lead with a chance to steal the opening set. However, UD would not give in as the teams traded points and chances to clinch the set, the Spartans finally broke through with back to back kills from Kara Wright to take set one 31-29. UD rode the wave of momentum over into the second set, taking a commanding 11-2 lead out of the gate before a Coe timeout. The Spartans wasted no time in closing out the set, not letting the Kohawks get back within seven points to move ahead two sets to none.
With the third set tied at 10 all, the Spartans scored five straight points behind the serve of Jenna Runde to grab their largest lead of the set. UD maintained a five point lead until the set was at 20-15 and the Kohawks began their late rally. Coe would even the set at 23 and have four separate chances to push the match to a fourth set but the Spartans took advantage of a bad Kohawk set and an attack error to take set three 31-29 and clinch the match.
The UD attack had five different players record six kills or more, led by Kara Wright with 23 on 59 attempts. Kenrda Witte followed Wright with 11 of her own and Rylee Andresen and Sarrah Farraday each tacked on eight. As a team, the Spartans hit .306, while holding Coe to just .153. Kate Messino had a staggering 41 kills on the night, the fourth most in a game this season but the previous three marks were in four sets. On top of doubling up the Kohawks in attack percentage, the Spartans also doubled up the Kohawks in blocks with six to Coe’s three.
The Spartans are right back at home on Friday, hosting Cornell College at 7:30 p.m.
