WPU Falls 3-1 on Dig Pink Night
William Penn University Athletics
by Wade Steinlage
Oskaloosa–The Statesmen volleyball team showed life in the middle of Tuesday match against Graceland, but could not finish the rally in a 3-1 Heart of America Athletic Conference loss on Dig Pink Night.
William Penn (11-22, 2-14 Heart) lost by scores of 14-25, 23-25, 25-13, 20-25. The hosts actually outhit the Yellowjackets (11-16, 5-12 Heart) .127-.126, but ended up with six fewer kills (44-38).
The squads were even through the first 14 points of the night. Graceland pulled away with eight of the next nine points to claim an easy first set victory.
The navy and gold, who wore a plethora of pink accessories to bring awareness to breast cancer, tried to answer and led by as many as three points on several occasions in the second set. Unfortunately, ahead by three at 20-17, the Statesmen permitted GU to tally four straight points and eventually dropped the second round as well.
Ashley Miller (Jr., Kalona, Iowa, Exercise Science), who finished with 17 digs, served up a trio of aces early in the third set as William Penn rolled out to an 11-2 advantage. The visitors drew to within five at 13-8, but the Statesmen would not be denied a fourth set.
The fourth go-round was the best battle of the evening, highlighted by seven ties and three lead changes. Tied at 17-17, however, the Yellowjackets managed back-to-back points not once but twice and then recorded the final three points to close out the match.
Nashali Cruz (Fr., Bayamon, P.R., Biology) paced the Statesmen offense with 12 kills and a .267 hitting clip. Jordan Carter (Jr., Sigourney, Iowa, Elementary Education) joined her in double figures with 10 winners, while Claire Simmons (Sr., Williamsburg, Iowa, Psychology) added seven kills.
Haley Smith (Jr., Adrian, Mich., Elementary Education) was productive on both ends, finishing with a double-double of 35 assists and 12 digs.
Defensively, WPU posted nine blocks with Kiara Davis (So., Thibodaux, La., Biology) finding the most success with five blocks (four assists).
Next Up: William Penn travels to Cedar Rapids Friday to face Mount Mercy in Heart action at 7 p.m.
