Photo by Kami Wood
McPherson, Kan. – The Central Christian College volleyball team got one of their biggest wins in recent memory, maybe even in program history, upsetting the Mid-America Christian University Evangels in five sets.
The Evangels, who came into the match as the Sooner Athletic Conference's fourth best team, took the opening set 25-18, but lost focus in the second set, opening the door for the Tigers. The CCC ladies seized the opportunity and stole the second set 25-17. In the third set, the Tigers kept cruising and led 19-10 before the Evangels went on an 8-0 run to make things interesting.
The Tigers got an important sideout to stop the bleeding and then hung on to win the set 26-24. Facing elimination, the Evangels found their form again in the fourth set, winning 25-20 and forcing a deciding fifth set. Coming into the night the Tigers were 1-6 in five set matches this season, and winless in their last five, including their last two at home.
The final set didn't start out so hot, as the Evangels opened up a quick 7-3 lead. However this night, the Tigers had a different air about them. They didn't panic, and with Jacque Freeman serving, they went on a 7-0 run and retook the lead 10-7. They eventually lead 14-10 and had 4 match points. Things got a little tense, and Evangel saved three of those match points getting back to within one, 14-13. The Tigers dug up the serve, but didn't get a good attack. The Evangels had a good swing to tie the set, but the Tigers who were fantastic at the net all night, blocked the ball back staying alive but giving the Evangels another crack at it. On the next MACU attack, Avery Bouldin made a great dig, giving a good pass to setter McKenzee Cook. She delivered a good set to Kamryn Vanatta in the middle, and she collected her team leading 16th kill of the night to give the Tigers the win.
Kamryn Vanatta had an amazing night with 16 kills, 22 digs, 4 blocks, and 6 service aces.
Key Statistic
Defense was the key for the Tigers tonight. They were flying all over the court and came up with 99 digs and at the net they finished with 10 blocks.
By the Numbers
The Tigers hit. .132 with 49 kills on 189 attempts with 24 errors.
They assisted on all 49 of their kills, and recorded 12 service aces.
What doesn't show up in the box score is how many times the Tiger serve kept the MACU offense out of system, which lead to mediocre swings from the Evangel hitters, giving the Tiger defense a fighting chance.
Tiger Leaders
Kills: Kamryn Vanatta (16)
Digs: Kamryn Vanatta (22)
Assists: McKenzee Cook (42)
Aces: Kamryn Vanatta (6)
Blocks: Joselin Rodriguez, Kamryn Vanatta (4)
Coach Quote
"Tonight's match was awesome! I'm so very proud of our team and their commitment to improvement! Tonight, our team played with heart and played with a competitiveness that we have been working on! Lots of great individual performances and some individuals accomplishing goals that sometimes go unnoticed. It is truly exciting to work with this team each day and watch them push themselves further. Well done ladies! Great win!" – Coach Hughes
Next Up
With the win, the Tigers move to 8-22 overall, and 3-16 in the SAC. They will play their final match of the season on Thursday night, hosting the USAO Drovers on Senior Night at 7:00 pm.
