WPU Swept by Storm in Non-Conference Action
William Penn University Athletics
Indianola–The William Penn volleyball team went west down Highway 92, but the short trip was not a pleasant one as it fell 3-0 to Simpson in non-conference action Thursday.
The Statesmen (3-12) lost by scores of 21-25, 18-25, 21-25.
The first set included several runs by both programs. Down just 15-14, the navy and gold gave up six points to the Storm (5-5) and eventually dropped the opener.
The second set was tight until late, including WPU holding a 17-16 edge. Unfortunately, another SC run put the hosts in control at two sets-to-nothing.
William Penn appeared poised to extend the night with several early points in the third round, but Simpson fought right back. In the end, the Storm were too strong and closed out the contest in straight sets.
Claire Simmons (So., Williamsburg, Iowa, Psychology) guided WPU’s offense with 11 kills. Lilly Martinez (Sr., Oakland, Calif., Psychology) was next on the list with seven winners.
Savanna Hartman (Sr., Morgan Hill, Calif., Psychology) was extremely efficient with six kills and a .462 attack percentage (zero errors in 13 attempts). Shawni Wills (Sr., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Biology) contributed five kills as well.
Kathleen Steffen (So., Vinton, Iowa, Biology) finished with 14 assists, while Haley Smith (So., Adrian, Mich., Elementary Education) had 12 of her own. Steffen and Haley Vampran (So., Fort Worth, Texas, Exercise Science) were tops at the service line with two aces each.
Defensively, Ashley Miller (So., Kalona, Iowa, Exercise Science) recorded 16 digs, while Wills and Nicole Harrison (Sr., San Diego, Calif., Biology) were a part of two blocks apiece.
Next Up: William Penn travels to Marshall, Mo. next Monday to face Missouri Valley in Heart of America Athletic Conference play at 7 p.m.
