The Master's women's volleyball team knew they had a tough test in their opening match of the CSM/United Sports Academy Labor Day Classic in North Sioux City, Iowa, against No. 9 Midland (NE).
They were swept 22-25, 17-25, 16-25.
The Lady Mustangs (8-2) are receiving votes for the NAIA Top 25 after winning eight of their first nine matches. And while TMU held their own in the first set against the Vikings (.258 hitting percentage), the second and third sets were much more difficult.
Ruby Duncan led the team with 12 kills, was second on the team with four blocks and second in digs with 11.
"Ruby showed up for that match," said TMU Head Coach Annett Davis. "Hitting .258 off of 31 swings is very impressive."
After taking the lead 22-21 late in the first set off a kill from Duncan, the Vikings rattled off the next four points to win the set. That trend followed in the second set when Midland started it with the first four points and went on to open up a 23-10 lead before winning by eight. The third set was virtually a carbon copy of the second.
Cora Machado continues to be a presence at middle blocker, picking up five blocks including two solos.
Sierra Hale led the back row defense with 16 digs.
Noticeably absent for The Master's were the service aces. TMU entered the match ranked No. 2 in the nation with 108 aces in the first nine matches. But against Midland they didn't get any.
The Lady Mustangs will play again Friday afternoon as they face No. 17 Jamestown. First serve is scheduled for 2 p.m. PT.
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