Loras Sweeps Grinnell in Women’s Volleyball Match
GRINNELL, IA — The Loras College women’s volleyball team secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Grinnell College on Friday night at Darby Gymnasium. The Duhawks displayed dominance throughout the match, claiming each set by scores of 25-19, 25-23, and 25-23.
Grinnell fought valiantly, keeping the contest close in the second and third sets, but Loras’s offensive firepower and solid defense proved too much to handle. The Duhawks improved to 11-3 on the season, while Grinnell fell to 8-5.
Key Performers
Loras was led by standout performances from Sophie Younkin and Cat Meyer. Younkin recorded 11 kills and 9 digs, contributing significantly both offensively and defensively. Meyer added 8 kills and 5 blocks, providing crucial support at the net.
Autumn Finch also played a pivotal role for the Duhawks with 7 kills and a team-high .333 hitting percentage. Setter Sara Hoskins orchestrated the offense with 27 assists, keeping Grinnell’s defense on its heels.
Grinnell’s Jenna Keller led her team with 17 kills, maintaining a .382 hitting percentage. Keller’s efforts, alongside Emily Brewer’s 13 assists and solid blocking by Millie Leonard, helped keep Grinnell competitive in each set. Despite Keller’s standout performance, the Pioneers were unable to capitalize on crucial moments, especially in the final stretches of the second and third sets.
Match Breakdown
In the first set, Loras quickly built a lead, taking advantage of Grinnell’s early attack errors. Though Grinnell rallied late in the set, the Duhawks maintained control, closing it out 25-19.
The second set saw a back-and-forth battle, with several lead changes and ties. Grinnell showed resilience, staying within striking distance throughout, but Loras managed to edge out the Pioneers, 25-23, in a tightly contested finish.
The third set mirrored the second, with Grinnell putting up a strong fight. Keller’s kills kept the Pioneers alive, but Loras’s defensive plays, including a key block by Finch, helped secure the 25-23 victory to seal the match.
Final Score
Loras 3, Grinnell 0
(25-19, 25-23, 25-23)
