With two three-set sweeps today at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona, No. 8 Westmont Volleyball has pushed its winning streak to ten and improved its record to
14-1.
The Warriors defeated UC Merced in the afternoon by scores of 25-9, 25-20, 25-22 and then defeated their hosts 25-13, 25-20, 25-9 in an evening match.
“Both teams presented different challenges,” said Westmont head coach Patti Cook. “UC Merced was a good passing team and a good defensive team, so we had to come out serving tough and aggressive with our offense. Embry-Riddle had a good outside hitter (Majlet Lee) that got a lot of sets. The challenge
of that game was stopping her, which we never fully did. However, we did start to learn her tendencies and slowed her down. That was enough to get us some momentum.”
In the match against UC Merced, the offensive effectiveness was evenly distributed between Madison Serrano (7 kills), Marissa Fuerst (6 kills), Nichole Miller (5 kills) and Sydney Striff (5 kills). Against EmbryRiddle, the middle blockers took over with Ciara Turner leading the Warriors with 13 kills and a .647 attack percentage. Alexandria Wilson added nine more kills while producing a .643 attack percentage. Wilson also contributed seven blocks.
“Alexandria was blocking and hitting really well,” said Cook. “Ciara was her normal dominate self. Candice Adema was steady in running the offense really well. Madison, an Arizona native, was playing well, her hitting was really important to us.”
The Warriors hit .310 as a team against UC Merced and .297 against Embry-Riddle.
“There was a little bit of a different feel because of the 5,000 feet altitude that made the ball a little bouncier and made it fly more,” explained Cook. “They also use a different ball that is lighter. We had to adjust our passing and not swing at the ball at all because gravity was not as much as an issue, but the team adjusted well.”
The Warriors complete their road trip tomorrow by travelling to Phoenix to begin Golden State Athletic Conference play against Arizona Christian. The match marks a moment in history for the Firestorm who joined the GSAC this year. It will be Arizona Christian’s first official conference contest in any sport.
First serve is set for seven o’clock
