In a closely contested battle with Menlo, #14 Westmont Volleyball has advance to the NAIA National Championship Final Site by defeating the Oaks 3-1 (25-23, 23-25, 25-23, 25-14). Junior outside hitter Madison Serrano tallied 21 kills for the Warriors while hitting .327 from the field.
“I was very impressed with the Menlo squad,” offered Westmont head coach Patti Cook. “I thought they were a well-coached team. We were physically more dominant, but they didn’t play like they were overmatched at all.”
“Our team played a good match as well,” continued Cook. “Tonight everything came together quite well. Every offensive player was aggressive and went after the Menlo block. Ciena (Colburn) made some key hits and blocks. Missy (Fuerst) did a fantastic block of stepping into the middle role and filling the shoes of Ciara (Turner).
“Outside hitters Madison (Serrano) and Jessica (McCann) did a good job of slowing down Menlo’s Courtney Calicdan. Jessica made some great saves on defense and put up a nice block. Madison had a good night, playing like a seasoned veteran. Her arm speed was incredible.
“Sydney (Striff) was her usual explosive self and gave Menlo a hard time with her right-side attack. Marie (Treadle) did the same and both of them did a good job blocking Menlo’s outside hitters. The defense was great with Tessa (Martin) and Kami (Troesh) coming up with some big digs.
The first three sets were closely contest as the two teams battled to keep their seasons alive. The fourth set saw the Warriors take control from the beginning, jumping out to a 12-6 lead and never relinquishing the lead.
“Menlo played very well. We were just a little bit better at the end of the sets,” said Cook.
The Warriors will now advance to three days of pool play in Sioux City, Iowa beginning on December 3.
