WPU Stays in Win Column After Taking Down Columbia
Columbia, Mo.–The William Penn women’s volleyball team collected yet another early-season victory as it knocked off non-conference opponent Columbia Wednesday.
The Statesmen (6-1) won their biggest match of the year by scores of 25-15, 25-21, 14-25, and 25-22. Columbia (0-4) entered the season with an unofficial ranking of No. 26.
After splitting the first 16 points in the opening set, William Penn pulled away with a 12-3 run and never looked back to go up 1-0.
The Statesmen then doubled their advantage to 2-0, but had to work for it. The visitors trailed 8-4 and were still tied at 21-21, but tallied the final four points to put the Cougars up against the proverbial wall.
An 11-2 run in the third set allowed the Cougars to stay alive, but WPU made sure it squashed any thoughts of a reverse sweep by the hosts. Down 17-13, the navy and gold slowly chipped away and eventually took the lead for good at 20-19 as part of a 4-0 run.
The Statesmen were outhit .120-.103, but held a 47-38 edge in kills. Additionally, the Statesmen topped Columbia 9-5 in aces, making up for a 15-6 deficit in blocks.
Maju Vierira (Jr., Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) was the driving force for the Statesmen as she had a double-double, notching 10 kills and 13 digs.
Khiani Jackson (Sr., St. Joseph, Mo., Psychology) guided the hitters with 11 kills, while Emilie Bojorquez-McFadden (Jr., Surprise, Ariz., Biology) added nine and Haliee Pesek (So., New Hampton, Iowa, Nursing) contributed seven.
Kaya Caprini (Sr., Minneapolis, Minn, Psychology and Human Services) was the team leader in digs with 17, while Mia Brady (Sr., Pontiac, Ill., Exercise Science) and Bojorquez-McFadden each contributed eight digs to the defensive effort. Brady was also the victor’s top setter with 23 assists.
Along with 14 helpers, Emalee Young (Jr., O’Fallon, Mo., Nursing) had a strong performance at the service line with three aces.
“Coming back home with a road win is always a good feeling and even more so against a great team,” Head Coach Lauren Eldridge said. “We were able to control our side of the net and get them in pressured situations, which is what our game plan was. I am very proud of our team’s effort and their execution in playing in a tough environment!”
Up Next: William Penn returns to Oskaloosa Friday and Saturday to host the William Penn Labor Day Invitational. On Friday, WPU takes on Briar Cliff at 3 p.m. and Dordt at 7 p.m. On Saturday, the Statesmen match up against Mount Marty (S.D.) at 11 a.m. and Waldorf at 3 p.m.
