Location: Crowley's Ridge College (CRC Gym) Paragould, Arkansas
Date: October 24, 2024
Game Results: Mission University 3, Crowley's Ridge College 1
In the opening set, the two squads went point for point in the early going before the Crowley's Ridge College Lady Pioneers had a small run to lead 11-6. A few minutes later CRC put together another small run to take a 17-11 advantage. Momentum shifted in favor of the Mission University Lady Patriots at that point allowing them to get back into the set as they closed to within 18-16. It remained a one to two point deficit for MU until they had another small four point spurt to lead 23-21. Crowley's Ridge battled back and eventually took a 25-24 lead, at which time the Lady Patriots took a timeout. Each team scored a point after the timeout and then the Lady Pats put the first set away with a 3-0 run to win it 28-26. Hitting errors in the first set by the Lady Pioneers proved to be the difference.
Summer Kenney and
Ella Sims led the Lady Patriots with 3 Kills each. In set 2, the score was close throughout with each team having small leads. Midway through the set the Lady Pats trailed 18-16, but they put together a 5-0 run to take the lead for good in the set, 21-18. The teams traded scores the remainder of the set, with MU prevailing 25-22. Two Service Aces by
Ryleigh Fowler during that last run were critical for the momentum. Kenney led the way in set 2 with 4 Kills. The Lady Patriots had a chance to close out the match, leading 2-0 in sets, but the third set they could not find a good rhythm. The Lady Pioneers maintained a small two to three point lead for much of the set before claiming a 25-20 win.
Abbi Street had 4 Kills for MU during the third set. In the fourth set, the Lady Pioneers jumped to a quick 3-1 lead off the momentum from the previous set. That momentum for Crowley's Ridge disappeared with them leading 5-4, as the Lady Patriots got on a roll with a 9-0 run that gave them the lead for good. Street was on fire during that run as she slammed 3 Kills. Mission was then able to maintain a nice, safe lead for the rest of the set, winning it 25-16, and the match 3-1. Street posted 6 Kills in the final set and was ably supported by Kenney and Sims who knocked down 4 Kills apiece.
Upcoming action:
The Volley Patriots come home next Tuesday, October 29, to host Central Christian College of the Bible. The Lady Saints, from Moberly, Missouri, will face off against the Lady Patriots at 6 pm.