Briar Cliff volleyball improved to 4-3 on the season Saturday with a pair of five-set wins at the CSM/United Sports Academy Labor Day Classic in North Sioux City, South Dakota.
The Chargers opened the day with a five-set victory over Mayville State. Set scores went 25-15, 12-25, 25-21, 14-25, 15-9. Briar Cliff won its second match over Tennessee Southern with set scores of 25-23, 19-25, 25-21, 19-25, 15-11.
In the win over Mayville State, Chloe Johnson and Sami Wasmund teamed up to lead the Chargers with 16 and 15 kills, respectively. Wasmund attacked at a .414 clip, her best of the season, with three errors on 29 total swings. Toria Andre added eight kills and Alexis Johnson added seven.
Tannah Heath dished 26 assists, followed by Emma Porter with 19 helpers. Abbey Jones posted 34 digs and nine assists in the match, both career bests for the sophomore.
"Jones has been a strong defender thus far and her ability to put hitters in a good position out-of-system helps our offensive attack," said head coach Lindsey Weatherford.
BC's win was highlighted by a .417 attack rate in set three with 18 kills and only three errors. Wasmund notched six kills in the third game and Tori Andre had five.
"Our setter hitter connection is coming along nicely," said Weatherford. "Our setters played great defense which also makes our back row strong and fuels our front row attack."
In the Tennessee Southern match, Chloe Johnson again led the Chargers. She had 15 kills to go with 10 digs and two blocks. Alexis Johnson added 12 kills and Wasmund chipped in eight. Wasmund took part in six blocks.
"Wasmund has been a strong force in the middle this weekend," said Weatherford. "Her ability to make great blocking reads and terminate attacks has been a driving force behind point scoring.
Taryn Nothem chipped in seven kills with no errors on 12 attacks for a .583 hitting percentage.
Heath dished out 21 assists and notched 18 digs, both team highs. Porter had 17 assists and Jones recorded 17 digs.
Looking ahead, Briar Cliff is slated to open GPAC play at Morningside Wednesday evening. First serve is set for 7:30 p.m.
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