Statesmen Battle Hard in Loss to #8 Evangel

William Penn Women’s Athletics

Oskaloosa–The William Penn volleyball team gave #8 Evangel (Mo.) quite a battle in a 3-0 Heart of America Athletic Conference loss Thursday.

The Statesmen (5-16, 1-5 Heart), who lost by scores of 20-25, 13-25, 17-25, were outhit .300-.052.

WPU came out strong, appearing unfazed by the Crusaders’ perfect record; EU is now 24-0 (7-0 Heart). The home squad led 5-4 and was even at 17-17, but the visitors finished with an 8-3 run to claim the first set.

The navy and gold again played tight early in the second go-round, trailing just 11-9. Unfortunately, they could not keep pace and fell behind 2-0. Evangel pulled out to a sizeable lead in the third set, but the Statesmen got within three late at 20-17. The Crusaders kept their record unblemished, however, with the last five points of the night.

Shawni Wills (Jr., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Biology) paced William Penn with nine kills, while Savanna Hartman (Jr., Morgan Hill, Calif., Psychology) had seven winners. Claire Simmons (Fr., Williamsburg, Iowa, Psychology) and Erika Getz (Sr., Parsons, Kan., Physical Education) both scored five offensive points as well.

Leyra Jusino (Sr., Bayamon, P.R., General Biology) produced in numerous areas with team highs in assists (23), digs (14), and blocks (3). Danielle Breeher (St. Louis, Mo., Biology) added 13 digs in the setback.

Next Up: William Penn travels to Canton, Mo. next Tuesday to face Culver-Stockton in Heart play at 7 p.m.