Statesmen Split Home Triangular
William Penn Women’s Athletics
Oskaloosa–The William Penn volleyball team had a mixed bag Saturday by splitting a pair of matches at its own non-conference triangular.
The Statesmen (11-15) opened the day with a 3-1 loss to Waldorf (25-21, 25-27, 13-25, 26-28) before sweeping Grinnell 3-0 (25-9, 25-16, 25-20).
The hosts, who were outhit .176-.132 against Waldorf, were led on the offensive end by Jeanette Cunningham (Sr., Mt. Orab, Ohio, Elementary Education) and Alanna Connors (Sr., Libertyville, Ill., Biology). Both seniors managed 12 kills.
Shawni Wills (Fr., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Biology), with seven winners, and Kylie Giger (So., Elkhart, Ind., Exercise Science), with six, also assisted in the efforts.
Dayna Sammons (Jr., Menomonee Falls, Wis., Software Engineering) and Leyra Jusino (So., Bayamon, P.R., General Biology) each posted 15 assists, while Danielle Breeher (So., St. Louis, Mo., Undecided) finished with 22 digs. Jusino also served up two aces.
The navy and gold defense was busy at the net with 12 total blocks, including one solo and four assists by Cunningham and five assists by Giger.
William Penn dominated Grinnell, trailing on just a few occasions. The Statesmen outhit the Pioneers .294-.072.
Giger topped the home team with 13 kills and a .360 attack clip, while Connors also reached double figures with 12. Wills and Cunningham contributed six points each.
Sammons assisted on 31 winners, while Breeher dug 12 hitting attempts. Jusino’s five aces led all players, and Ana Gutch (Jr., Eddyville, Iowa, Secondary Education) had five kills and three blocks (one solo, two assists).
“We came out strong against Waldorf, but for some reason lagged in the latter parts and they took advantage,” Head Coach Jennifer Carlson said. “Our intensity was back against Grinnell and we played the type of ball I know we are capable of.”
Next: William Penn remains at home Tuesday to host St. Mary (Neb.) in non-conference action at 7 p.m.
