Lancer Volleyball Knocked Out By Wesleyan
MARION – In an NCCAA regional semifinal matchup of familiar foes, Grace’s volleyball team looked to punch its ticket to the NCCAA National Tournament for the fourth time in five years.
The Lady Lancers (19-18) were unable to get going offensively, however, and fell in straight sets to Indiana Wesleyan University.
After trailing 11-3 early in the opening set, Grace battled to cut the deficit to five. But costly attack errors derailed the comeback as they fell 25-11 in the opener.
The Wildcats (31-8) jumped out to an 8-0 lead to begin set two, which proved to be too much to overcome. The Lady Lancers were unable to get closer than seven points the rest of the way, falling 25-13.
Grace started optimistically in the third set as kills from Tori Bontrager and Sierra Smith gave the visitors an early 5-4 lead. The Wildcats, however, would not be denied, taking the decisive third set to complete the sweep 25-18.
Kelsee Zuidema had six kills on a .429 attack percentage and a solo block, while Bontrager chipped in six kills of her own on a .273 percentage. Smith added four kills and a block assist.
Laken Cheney led the team with 11 digs and contributed nine assists on the day, and Taylor Baird led with 11 assists.
The loss ends the careers of seniors Annie Salazar, Jessica Scherb and Alix Underwood. The trio won 92 matches in their careers and reached NCCAA Nationals twice. They also had a .500 or better league record all four years.