Briar Cliff University

The Charger women's volleyball team battled the No. 15 ranked Midland Warriors on Saturday evening at the Wikert Event Center, earning a third-set victory.

Midland jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the opening set, but Briar Cliff quickly answered, eventually tying the set at 9-9. The Chargers continued to battle, pulling within one at 10-9 before the Warriors regained control. Midland extended its advantage to 19-12, but Briar Cliff responded with a 6-1 run to cut the deficit to 20-18. The Warriors finished the set with a late push to take the opener 25-19. 

The second set was another competitive battle. BCU held an early 4-3 advantage and later led 10-9 after a service ace from Mia Torchia. Midland answered with a 6-0 run to take a 16-11 lead. The Chargers fought back, cutting the deficit to 17-16 and later 20-17. Briar Cliff continued to battle until the end, but Midland held on for a 25-22 victory to take a 2-0 match lead. 

Briar Cliff responded in a big way in the third set. After the Warriors opened with a 5-1 advantage, the Chargers steadily fought their way back. Briar Cliff tied the set at 10-10 before taking a 14-13 lead. The Chargers then built separation with a 5-0 run, moving ahead 19-15. Strong play at the net helped Briar Cliff close out the set, as the Chargers scored the final four points to take an impressive 25-18 victory and extend the match.

The Chargers carried that momentum into the fourth set, taking an early 7-6 lead. Midland responded with a 5-0 run to move ahead 11-7 and continued to build its advantage.Briar Cliff battled back within three at 14-11 and later 19-14, but the Warriors maintained control down the stretch. Midland closed the match with a 25-19 fourth-set victory.

Emma Brenelli led the Chargers with a match-high 12 kills, adding two block assists and a solo block. Brianna Wittrock recorded eight kills while hitting .318, while Aliyah Rhynalds and Aubrey Hoeft each contributed seven kills. Rhynalds and Brooklyn Voss each added seven block assists.

Reese Strouth paced the Charger offense with 20 assists, while Torchia added 14 assists, a service ace and nine digs. Ireland Jackson led the defensive effort with 10 digs, Korbin Olorndami added nine. 

The Chargers return to action Friday October 9, hosting RV College of Saint Mary's. First Serve is set for 7:30 p.m.