V’ball team stumbles in final two
This past weekend, the Chadron State volleyball team wrapped up its season with a game against Regis University and Metro State. Both teams beat the Eagles to make CSC’s final record 5-24 overall, 2-16 in the RMAC.
“Although our record didn’t see huge improvements, nearly every statistical category did. I am very sad to say goodbye to this group of seniors and everything they did for the program,” interim Head Coach Janel Baily said.
Against Regis, the Rangers, ranked No. 14, came out slow when Chadron won the first set 25-20. However, Regis’ serving game picked up and helped them win the next three sets 25-12, 25-17, and 25-14.
Rangers’ Katie Klein led in kills with 13 and had help from Caite Breaux who added 11 more. Rebecca Sponcil led the service game with 4, and teammates Makayla Higgins and Klein had three each as well.
Both teams didn’t have a spectacular hitting game; Regis had a .149 hitting percentage and Chadron had a .110. For Chadron, Erika Roybal, sophomore outside hitter of Denver, and Lexi Hoagland, senior right side hitter of Rushville, both had nine kills. Mollie Jones, senior outside hitter of Longmont, Colo., assisted with eight more kills.
On defense, Jones led with 17 digs while Alyssa Bauer, sophomore setter of Rapid City, contributed another 15. Justine Ackie, freshman setter of Phoenix, Ariz., led in assists with 22.
On Saturday, after a delay due to the lighting in the gym, Chadron played Metro State in the final contest of the season. Metro swept the Eagles 25-17, 25-19, 25-19, when their .235 hitting average spiked in the third set. Tying for the lead in kills was Alysa Heath and Lauren Quijano with 10.
Kills were spread pretty evenly throughout the Eagles, but Irvine and Jessica Jester, junior middle hitter of Cheyenne, Wyo., had eight each. However, the Eagles only totaled a .080 hitting percentage for the night, while the Roadrunners hit a .235.
Irvine had a match-high five blocks, and leading in assists was Ackie who totaled 16.
“I am excited to hit the recruiting trail and plan in bringing in some phenomenal talent to continue improving the program and get the community excited about the wonderful sport of volleyball,” Baily said.