The Master's University volleyball team concluded their first day of tournament play with a five-set thriller against the Southern Oregon University Raiders on Wednesday evening, dropping the fifth set 15-9. After close 23-25, 22-25 losses in the first two sets, the Mustangs stampeded back with energy and confidence, taking the next two sets 25-22, 25-20 to force the decisive game five.
The Mustangs' offense was on display, leading both teams with 60 total team kills including three student-athletes reaching double digits: sophomore opposite Jane Cisar (Albuquerque, NM) with 13 kills, senior middle blocker and 2016 NAIA All-American Morgan Koch (Auburn, CA) with 12, and sophomore right side Regan Tate (West Covina, CA) with 10. The Raiders' net defense stepped up in the fifth set, however, ending the match with 17 total blocks to the Mustangs' six.
With an overall season record of 0-2, head coach Allan Vince is looking on the positive side of the outcome. "I saw a great upswing in our level of play in this match. Southern returned quite a few athletes from last year and have great experience in a strong conference. I was very pleased with our level of play to come back from an 0-2 deficit and barely lose in five sets. We have strong competition tomorrow, but the experience we have gained from these last two matches will give us an advantage."
Sophomore libero McKenna Hafner (Yucaipa, CA) shored up the Mustang defense, scrambling for 21 digs and 10 assists, while sophomore setter Sarah Park (Porter Ranch, CA) led all players with 30 assists. For the Southern Oregon Raiders, opposite Taylor Ristvedt led the team with 15 kills and 4 total blocks.
On Thursday August 17th, the challenge will not get any easier against two NAIA top 25 teams. The Lady Mustangs look to even up their season record as they return to the HIU Summer Slam to face 11th ranked Eastern Oregon University at 2 p.m. and 16th ranked Cornerstone University (MI) at 8 p.m.
