The Chargers women's volleyball team dropped a closely contested match against Morningside Wednesday night in the Newman Flanagan Center. The Cliff nearly completed the reverse sweep (25-27, 22-25, 25-18, 26-25, 15-8) but came up short in the fifth set.
"I am so proud of our team for going the distance and battling back to force five sets," said head coach
Lindsey Weatherford. "Again, our middle hitters Toria and Sami were our dominant offensive leaders and the experience they are getting in these matches will prove to be very valuable soon."
After dropping two closely contested sets to start the match, the Chargers responded by taking the third set 25-18. The Cliff built a lead early, with
Maureen Imrie holding serve for five straight Charger points, including one service ace. Back-to-back kills from
Chloe Johnson would seal the BC win in the third set.
A service ace from
Jaice Johnsen to start the fourth set would set the tone, as the Chargers held the lead throughout to push the match to a fifth set. The Mustangs jumped out to a quick 9-3 lead and ultimately took the fifth set 15-8.
"The atmosphere in the NFC was electric tonight. It can be a hard place for our opponents to play in, as was the case in the third and fourth sets," said Weatherford. "Our team really fed off the energy of the crowd and went on the offensive early in set three."
Chloe Johnsen led the Charger hitters with 13 kills with a .313 hitting percentage.
Abbie Ericson and
Toria Andre put down 12 kills apiece and both hit .333. Andre tallied a team high six blocks.
Tannah Heath had 19 digs while
Madilyn Wagaman and
Abbey Jones had 10.
Maureen Imrie dished out 22 assists and Wagaman had 19.
Briar Cliff will travel to Forest City, Iowa Friday for a contest with Waldorf at 7:00 p.m. The Charger return to the NFC Saturday as they host Dakota Wesleyan at 7:30 p.m.
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