GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Indiana Tech volleyball rounded out an undefeated weekend at the Panther Invitational at Davenport University with a morning win over Cardinal Stritch University (Wisc.), 25-20, 25-22, 25-18 and an afternoon victory over Trinity Christian (Ill.), 25-16, 21-25, 25-16, 26-24, on Saturday, which provided the Warriors redemption from their earlier season loss to the Trolls at the Indiana Wesleyan Invitational.
In game one,
Cassie Sarabia and
Jazmin Alexander led the Orange and Black in kills with nine apiece.
Taylor Kelso provided a game-high 19 digs, while Karlie Jones dished out 23 assists to lead the team.
The Warriors were able to take and maintain an early lead they acquired from the Wolves, not dropping that lead en route to their 25-20 first set decision. After compiling a 7-3 run late in the second set, the Orange and Black found themselves one set away from the sweep. As they opened the third set in a back and forth battle with the Wolves, a 9-0 run highlighted by a strong offensive attack, gave way to a dominant 25-18 final set finish and the match victory.
Sarabia again led Tech in game two with 16 kills, while
Paige Doellman followed behind with 13 of her own. Jones continued her success into the afternoon session, recording 24 assists and Kelso rounded out the Warrior leaders with 24 digs.
Despite falling to Trinity Christian in a straight set decision at the Indiana Wesleyan Invitational in the beginning of the month, Tech made a strong statement taking the first set of Saturday afternoon's rematch, 25-16. The Trolls immediately answered back in the second set with their own victory, which was sealed by a 4-0 run to conclude the set. The Warriors responded to the evened match by compiling a 19-13 lead late in the fourth set, a lead that their opponents, plagued by errors, could not cut into. As the Orange and Black looked to close out the match, Trinity Christian opened set four on a 7-1 run before Tech would claim the next six points to force the draw. What looked to turn into a back and forth tug of war, evolved into a turn for the Trolls who looked to force the fifth set off a 19-14 lead. By piecing together small runs and fighting to earn the final five points, three of which came off blocks from
Aubree Eggers and
Keasia Carlisle, the Warriors were able to stay alive and provide the 3-1 redeeming victory.
Tech (14-5, 4-1 WHAC) is slated to be back in action as they host #16 Madonna on Wednesday at the Schaefer Center. First serve is set for 7 p.m. and links to live video and stats will be available at IndianaTechWarriors.com.
