WALLA WALLA, Wash. -- Puget Sound picks up a 3-1 win over Whitman in the first leg of their Whits trip.
How it Happened
After travelling to Eastern Washington this afternoon, the Loggers got off the bus and immediately started dealing. An impressive 12-1 run to start the game sent a message early, with
Maddie Badger and Makenzie Leith both racking up multiple kills.
Erin Fagan also had two aces during that span. Despite Whitman coming back with a 4-0 run, the Loggers put the pedal to the metal, polishing off an impressive 25-10 first set with a 6-0 run.
The Blues started to settle into the match, pulling away in a 7-5 start to the set. The Loggers pulled it back, taking the lead back thanks to a kill by
Makela Pick – 11-10. Both squads traded 4-0 runs, with Badger picking up two kills in that span. Whitman started putting some pieces together, though, as they extended their lead to three to make it 21-18. A service error and a kill by Leith put the Loggers within one, but the Blues closed out the set 25-21.
Head coach
Mark Massey and the Loggers didn't shy away from the sets being tied, as they went on another monstrous start to the third set.
Amelia Reed went on a 10-1 service run, with Badger, Fagan and
Randi Rush all picking up kills during that span. This put the set out of reach, much like the first set, as the Loggers continued to pile on the points. A 7-1 run ended the set, with Badger placing the finishing blow to give the Loggers a 25-11 third-set victory.
The final set saw another early Whitman lead, going up 7-5 yet again. Puget Sound was down for most of the fourth set, as a Blues kill pushed the lead to 14-11. A kill by Fagan and a block by
Ursula Harrington brought the Loggers back in it, and a 7-2 run gave them sights of the finish line. The Blues pulled it within one, but three straight points wrapped it up, as Leith got the final point of the match – 25-21.
Top Performers
Three players had double-digit kills, with Badger leading the way with 19 on a .529 hitting percentage and 7 blocks. Leith picked up 15, and Fagan 14, as the Loggers cruised to yet another win. Rush continued to average more than 10 assists/set, picking up 41.
Coach's Thoughts
"Great team road win - intense environment, and Whitman played excellent defense," said Logger head coach
Mark Massey. In the end, our efficient .290 hitting and 10 blocks controlled the match.
Maddie Badger had a huge blocking night with 7 blocks and 19 kills.
Erin Fagan had a dominant serving streak to kick off the first set win.
Samantha Keightley swept up the court with 21 big digs."
What Happens Next
The Loggers travel to Whitworth to take on the reigning Northwest Conference champs. The match begins on Saturday, October 11th, at 6:00 pm.
