OSKALOOSA —
Despite dominating two of the first three games, the Lady Statesmen volleyball team was forced to play a full match before knocking off St. Ambrose 3-2 in Midwest Collegiate Conference play Tuesday.
William Penn (17-6, 1-0 MCC), winners of seven in a row, won by scores of 25-14, 30-32, 25-14, 21-25, 15-13. The Lady Statesmen outhit the Queen Bees .170-.104.
The lady Statesmen came out strong, scoring ten of the first 13 points. The Queen Bees (10-3, 0-2 MCC) responded, however, narrowing the margin to three at 11-8. They would get no closer, though, as William Penn scored four straight and cruised to the 1-0 lead. The Lady Statesmen held a .290-.000 advantage in hitting.
A marathon ensued in the second game. The Lady Statesmen were up 23-20 and also owned game point at 24-23, but could not close it out.
The third game was a near mirror image of the first with the hosts leading wire-to-wire. William Penn hit .161, while putting St. Ambrose in the red (-.051). A deciding fifth game was forced as the visitors returned the favor by leading the entire fourth game.
The score seesawed in game 5 with the Lady Statesmen scoring the first two points, but then relinquishing the advantage at 5-4. William Penn did not fold, however, reeling off six straight points and retaining the lead to the end. The Queen Bees cut the edge to one at 14-13, but a block by Kylie Giger and Katie Rielly secured the victory. The squad finished with seven total blocks.
Lacey Taylor topped the offensive effort with 19 kills and a .271 attack percentage, while Rielly tallied 16 kills and a .250 clip. Jeanette Cunningham and Alanna Connors added eight winners, and Giger had seven.
Dayna Sammons tallied 51 assists, while Leyra Jusino provided a huge spark off the bench with team bests in digs (26) and aces (three; tied with Taylor). Danielle Breeher was right behind her with 25 digs.
Cunningham was a part of four blocks.
“This was a big match for us,” Head Coach Jeremy Wise said. “Our ladies stepped up and had great intensity for most of the match. We made crucial points when needed and our seniors played big in tough spots.”
“We need to keep our focus throughout, but this was still a great win,” Wise added. “It is always nice to start 1-0 in the conference and we look forward to keeping this going against Ashford on Thursday.”
William Penn remains at home Thursday to host Ashford in non-conference action at 7:30 p.m.
Sports
September 27, 2012
William Penn opens league play with five-set win over St. Ambrose
- Sports
-
-
Oskaloosa tabs Barker as new football coach
Jeff Barker was named the new head football coach at Oskaloosa, pending approval by the chool board
-
Area State Track Results
Oskaloosa shuttle hurdle relay team of Allie Christenson, Kelsie Tomlin, Kenzie Gunter and Taylor Richardson qualified for Saturday's final.
-
North Mahaska youth finish USBC bowling season
Ten North Mahaska students completed the USBC Youth Bowling Program during the 2012-13 fall and winter season. -
Osky girl netters lose twice in recent meets
The Oskaloosa girls tennis team lost to Newton and Fairfield recently on the courts.
-
Photo: Diaz signs with William Penn
Oskaloosa's Daniela Diaz, seated center, signed a letter of intent to be a cheerleader at William Penn University on Monday. Witnessing the signing are, seated: parents Tony and Debbie Diaz. Standing: William Penn cheerleading coach Jill Thompson and Oskaloosa cheerleading coach Katie Taylor.
-
Transform Academy Xcel team wraps up its season
The Transform Academy Xcel gymnastics team competed at the state meet on May 4-5. -
Osky track teams to send 17 events to state meet
Oskaloosa will be well represented at this week's state track meet.
-
Carter convincing in win at Benton County
Oskaloosa native Cayden Carter earned a IMCA win at Benton County Speedway.
-
Whitehead earns third POY honor, 6 recognized
Several William Penn softball players were accorded all-MCC honors.
-
Osky's Wills to play volleyball at Penn
Oskaloosa volleyball standodut Shawni Wills will be playing collegiately at William Penn next fall.
- More Sports Headlines
-
Oskaloosa tabs Barker as new football coach
