Volleyball beats Saint Mary, finishes first half of KCAC play at 5-4
By: David Toelle, KWU Sports Information

A complete domination on the offensive side of the ball propelled Kansas Wesleyan over Saint Mary 30-26, 30-22, 30-17 on Thursday night at the Ryan Sports Center in Leavenworth.

The win pushes the Coyotes back over .500 in KCAC play, finishing the first round through the conference at 5-4, and gets the Coyotes back to .500 overall at 10-10.

“It was a dominating win for us,” head coach Gordon Reimer said. “We pounded the ball on the floor all night, and played very well.”

The Coyotes have won their last two matches thanks to much improved passing and setting.

“We passed and set very well again tonight, just like against Ottawa (on Tuesday),” Reimer said. “When a team passes well, that leads to good sets to the hitters to finish plays, and we certainly have a group of hitters that can put the ball on the floor.”

Senior middle hitter Kristal Griffeth led the way with 16 kills, while Kolby Rhoades had 15. Landree MacLennan had 40 assists for the Coyotes, while Melissa Harrington led with three aces. Harrington and Naomi Hobayan each had only five digs, as Saint Mary didn’t give the Coyotes many digging opportunities.

“Our hitters were putting it down, and our blockers were blocking. They (Saint Mary) couldn’t get much offense going,” Reimer said.

Griffeth led the way for the blockers, tallying five solo blocks and two assisted blocks on the night.

The Coyotes are back in action on Monday evening at Sterling, before hosting Southwestern on Wednesday.

-- KWU SI --