SIOUX CITY, IOWA—Women's Volleyball closed out pool play on Thursday afternoon. After five intense sets, the Spartans ultimately fell to Hastings College (Neb.).
The first set was a tight one as the teams found themselves tied 10 different times. At 16 apiece, a Spartan error sparked a scoring run for the Broncos. MBU regained possession a few times thereafter, but it was not enough to catch up. Hastings would take set one, 25-21.
The second set began in Hastings favor, as they quickly took a five-point lead. The Broncos managed to stay ahead until an unforced error prompted a Spartan scoring run, allowing them to tie things up at 15. From there, MBU maintained the lead over Hastings. The Spartans were set at game point (24-18) when a Hastings kill kept them in the game (24-19). However, another Bronco error gave MBU the second set, 25-19.
Maggie Sorensen hit the service line tied at 1-1 in set three, serving up six consecutive serves, including two aces before Hastings called their first timeout (7-1). Out of the timeout, Sorensen served up four more before Hastings could finally regain possession (10-1). The Broncos continued to put up a fight, but it was not enough to catch MBU. The Spartans dominated, taking the third set, 25-17.
Set four mirrored the last, but this time Hastings had the advantage. Trailing by seven (15-8), Coach
Chris Nichols utilized his first timeout. Out of the break, MBU began to rally back, but errors ultimately cost them. The Broncos took set four, pushing the match to a tie-breaking set (25-16).
Hastings carried their momentum into the fifth set, as they quickly cruised to the lead. The Spartans were down by seven (9-2) when a kill from
Mallory Moran gave them a fighting chance. Unfortunately, the Broncos would quickly regain possession and take set five and the match, 15-3.
Mallory Moran led the match in kills with a total of 17, while
Aubrey Wilson finished the match with a .464 attack percentage (15 kills).
Middle blocker
Maggie Sorensen led the defensive effort, leading the team in digs with 14 total. The senior also put up two blocks and four service aces. Setter
Megan Huffman clocked out with a total of 40 assists.
The Spartans finish out National Championship pool play with a record of 2-1. Claiming second place in Pool D, they will advance to the round of 16 on Friday at 3:45 p.m.
