WPU Goes 2-0 in Triangular
William Penn University Athletics
by Wade Steinlage
Lawrence, Kan.—William Penn women’s volleyball had a quick turnaround after their game with Grand View Friday, heading down to Lawrence, Kansas to take on Haskell Indian Nations and Bethel (Kan.) in a non-conference triangular.
The Statesmen (12-5, 1-2 Heart) showed resilience bouncing back from a tough loss Friday and coming back to grab two wins against Haskell (2-11) and Bethel (2-8).
Neither Haskell nor Bethel were a match for the navy and gold. They were able to sweep Haskell (25-22, 25-18, 25-18) and sweep Bethel (25-22, 25-20, 25-15) to improve their record to 12-5 on the season.
WPU 3, HIN 0
William Penn outhit Haskell .233-.196, highlighted by a big game for Nashali Cruz (So., Bayamon, P.R., Biology) who produced 10 kills while hitting at a very efficient .529 clip. Danielle Pendzinski (Jr., Winnebago, Ill., Elementary Education) also had a good game, marking 7 kills at a .600 percentage.
Two setters for the Statesmen were able to break into double digits. Haley Smith (Sr., Adrian, Mich., Elementary Education) led the way with 18 assists while Elena Lucero (Fr., Yuba City, Calif., Political Science) finished with 13.
Defensively, Haley Vampran (Sr., Fort Worth, Texas, Exercise Science) helped lead William Penn to victory with 14 digs. Belle Potter (Sr., Spokane, Wash., Undecided) also chipped in with eight digs of her own.
The navy and gold did some solid on the block totaling six for the match. Pendzinski produced four of the blocks, setting a season high for her.
WPU 3, BC 0
The Statesmen finished up the weekend with a sweep over Bethel College.
The William Penn attack was too much for the Threshers as they outhit the opposition .226-.070. Cruz finished off her nice day with 9 kills while Jordan Carter (Sr., Sigourney, Iowa, Elementary Education) challenged her for the team lead with 8 of her own to help guide the Statesmen to the sweep.
Smith was the only setter to break into double digits marking 14 assists giving her a two match total of 32.
Three Statesmen tallied at least 10 digs. Led by the duo of Vampran and Potter who each marked 15 digs and Smith reached the 10 dig mark to complete her double-double.
Next up: William Penn returns home to take on Culver-Stockton on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Heart of America Conference action.
