VOLLEYBALL WEEKLY REVIEW: Lancers Drop Two, Pick Up Much Needed Win Against Dana

BY SCOTT MORRISON

The Lancers continued Great Plains Athletic Conference play throughout the week with matches against Morningside College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, and Dana College.

The Lancers began their week against the upper escialon of the GPAC in the form of Morningside College. The Lancers traveled to Sioux City on Wednesday night to battle the top ranked team in their conference.

The Lady Mustangs(19-1, 8-1), who came in ranked 11th amongst NAIA Division II teams, made quick work of the Lancers defeating them 30-23, 30-6, 30-14.

Sophomore Kate Carda led all Lancer attackers with eight kills. Junior Tara Adamson was able to add seven kills, nine defensive digs, and one solo block.

The Lancers fell victim to injury on the final point of the first game when junior Abby Haiar sprained her ankle trying to make a play on the ball.

She would not be able to return for the remainder of the match and freshman Kerry McDonald was thrust into the action.

“After Abby went down with her injury, our girls just seemed to lose confidence,” Lancer coach Tracy Grotenhuis said. “We had to thrust Kerry into a tough position, but she did the best she could while in the match.”

On Friday, the Lancer women played host to Nebraska Wesleyan (9-7, 3-5) and fell 30-19, 30-20, 30-12. The Lancers were forced to play without Haiar who was unable to play in the match.

Carda again had a strong match as she led the Lancers with eight kills. She also added a blocking assist in the match.

Senior Laura Starman also had a quality match as she posted six kills, two defensive digs, one solo block, and one blocking assist. McDonald had 20 set assists and five defensive digs as Haiar’s replacement.

“It was difficult for our hitters to connect with Kerry, but once they did, their confidence in her began to build as the match progressed,” Grotenhuis said.

On Parent’s day, the Lancers used Haiar’s return from in to the lineup to spark a five game match victory against Dana College. The Lancers were able to put together a match victory by the score of 32-23, 18-30, 20-30, 30-26, 15-10.

Haiar had six kills to go along with 23 set assists, and one defensive dig. She was able to feed Tara Adamson who posted 15 kills, two ace serves, 13 defensive digs, and two blocking assists.

“Everyone had to jump in and play their part to help us get the win, “Grotenhuis said. “This match victory was very important our team because it has shown how much we have improved throughout the year.

The Lancers had lost their previous two matches against Dana, but found a way to ensure that they would not be defeated on Saturday.

The Lancers will match up against Northwestern College (17-7, 5-3) who are currently seeded fourth in the GPAC on Wednesday, Oct. 10.

They will also travel to Des Moines, Iowa to participate in a tournament at Grandview College on Friday, Oct. 12 and 13.