Wednesday night the Eagles hosted Southwestern Community College, and quickly won each set to secure the sweep.
This is Kirkwood’s 23rd win in as many games, and also is the 10th consecutive sweep by the Eagles.
“I could care less about losing sets as long as we’re winning matches,” head coach Dave Brown said after the game. “We put a large emphasis on service, which I think is a large reason why (the sweep streak) has gone on that long.”
The serving against Southwestern was no different. In total, the Eagles amassed 15 total service aces. Led by sophomore defensive specialist Gabbi Smith and sophomore middle hitter Madalyn Boyer, who contributed six a piece.
Smith attributes her serving successes this season on taking her time.
“Something that I really work on is just taking my time back there and really concentrating and visualizing,” she said. “As the season has gone on I’ve gotten a lot more aggressive on hitting my serving, so that’s helped a lot with me getting more aces.”
The momentum that the Eagles needed to win started just in the first set. They quickly found themselves up to a quick 12-2 lead, and that lead even quicker turned to 20-3. Kirkwood ultimately won the first set 25-9, and never looked back.
On the attacking side, the Eagles were led by sophomore outsider hitter Carly Wazac and freshman middle hitter Karley Belken, who finished with nine and eight kills respectively.
Wazac had the final kill of the match to secure the sweep for the Eagles.
“During those moments I kind of just get a sense of relief that I was able to help my team close out the win,” Wazac said after the game. “It’s really crucial that we stay consistent through the regular season to secure the No. 1 spot going into the National Tournament.”
While the Spartans gave a better fight in the second and third sets, it was not enough to phase the Eagles. Southwestern was limited to just 18 and 17 points in those sets.
Sophomore setter Avery Knoop and freshman setter Katie Scheckel combined for 33 assists. Sophomore outside hitter Yasmine Sell compiled three blocks, leading Kirkwood. While libero Abbie Staats led the way with 10 digs.
In the third set the Eagles were just narrowly beating the Spartans throughout most of the set. Then a play happened where defensive specialist Ainsley Haedt laid out full extension to save the ball, and the Eagles ultimately ended up breezing through the rest of the set after that.
“I really love this team,” said Brown. “They’re not just great volleyball players, they’re also great humans.”
Categories: Sports, Volleyball
