Photo by Lizzie Caron
McPherson, Kan. – The Central Christian College volleyball team wrapped up their 2022 campaign in style, sending their seniors out with a sweep of the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma Drovers.
After honoring their four seniors, Micaela Cornelius, Jayleana Williams-Johnson, Jacque Freeman, and McKenzee Cook prior to the match, the Tigers came out with a purpose and played some of their most inspired volleyball of the season. All four seniors contributed in big ways all night, helping to end the season on a high note and avenge an earlier loss to the Drovers a few weeks ago.
It was competitive volleyball all night, but the Tigers seemed to be just a little sharper in all three sets. They opened the night winning set one, 25-21. In the second set, the Drovers opened with a 4-0 run, but the Tigers responded with a 4-0 run of their own to get back square. The rest of the set was back and forth, and the Drovers held set point 24-23. The Tigers dug deep, won three consecutive points, and rallied to take the set 26-24.
Facing elimination, the Drovers played with a sense of urgency in set three, but the Tigers matched their intensity. Late in the set, with the scored tied at 22, the Tigers again dug deep, and won three points in a row to win the set 25-22, and complete the sweep.
Midway through the second set, senior setter, McKenzee Cook, reached the 2000 career assist milestone. She also finished her career with over 1000 digs, putting her in some elite company.
Key Statistic
This won't show up in the box score, but the key to tonight's win was the fact that the Tigers showed up big when they needed to. Everyone contributed, and there were several moments when someone stepped up and made a big play that kept the Drovers from going on a run and helped swing the momentum of the set back to the home side.
By the Numbers
The Tigers hit .106 with 36 kills on 123 attempts with 23 errors.
They assisted on all 31 of their 36 kills, and recorded 6 service aces.
Defensively the Tigers came away with 57 defensive digs, and were credited with 7 blocks.
Tiger Leaders
Kills: Kamryn Vanatta (12)
Digs: Jacque Freeman (18)
Assists: McKenzee Cook (31)
Aces: Kamryn Vanatta (3)
Blocks: Kamryn Vanatta (4)
Coach Quote
"What a great finish! To avenge an earlier loss and play that well at the end of the season just feels great! Our team worked so hard this season to grow the program and improve. I feel like we truly improved every day and accomplished so much that will set this program up for future success! A bittersweet day as we bid farewell to our senior class but what a great way to finish and their contributions will not go unnoticed! God speed senior class of 2022! Well done Tigers! You can be proud of your progress and excited about your future." – Coach Hughes
Wrap Up
With the win, the Tigers finish the year at 9-22 overall, and 4-16 in the SAC. Their nine wins overall, is eight more than a year ago, and they finished with three more conference wins than in 2021. Coach Hughes has the bulk of his team returning in 2023, and if he can replace the holes left by those graduating this year, the future of Tiger volleyball looks bright.
