The Briar Cliff women's volleyball team traveled to Orange City, Iowa, on Saturday afternoon to take No. 1 Northwestern in GPAC action. The Chargers battled to the end but fell 3-0 to the No.1-ranked Red Raiders.
Northwestern took the opening set 25-14 after building an early lead. BCU battled back from a 7-3 deficit, with kills from
Alexis Even and
Caton Firkins helping the Chargers stay within reach. A service ace from
Kinslee Walrod and a kill from
Aliyah Rhynalds added to the Charger effort, but the Red Raiders pulled away late to take the first set.
The Chargers put together a stronger performance in the second set, opening with a 2-0 lead and continuing to trade points with the NWC. Briar Cliff remained within striking distance throughout the frame, with kills from
Emma Brenelli,
Brooklyn Voss and
Aubrey Hoeft helping keep the set close. The Chargers cut the deficit to 21-19 late, but Northwestern finished the set with a 25-21 win.
In the third set NWC jumped to a 3-0 lead and maintained its advantage throughout. Briar Cliff responded with kills from Rhynalds, Hoeft and Firkins, while
Ayla Richardson contributed two service aces during a late Charger push. Briar Cliff scored six of seven points to cut into the deficit, but Northwestern closed out the set 25-15 to complete the sweep.
Rhynalds and Brenelli led the Charger offense with five kills apiece. Hoeft added four kills without committing an attack error and finished with a team-high five block assists. Firkins also contributed four kills, while Rhynalds recorded two solo blocks and one block assist.
Freshman
Mia Torchia recorded 13 assists, while Walrod added seven assists and a service ace.
Ireland Jackson led the defensive effort with 12 digs, and
Trinity Uhrmacher contributed seven.
The Chargers return to action on Tuesday, October 27, hosting Buena Vista at the Newman Flanagan Center. First serve is set for 7:30 p.m.
#BattleOn
