Volleyball Plays Tough in Conference Loss at Davenport

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. –  After struggling through their previous two outings, Marygrove women’s volleyball (4-11, 1-6 WHAC) bounced back with a tough performance Friday (Sept. 26) against the host Davenport University Panthers (11-4, 6-1 WHAC). The Mustangs lost the match in straight sets, but didn’t back down against the Panthers – a team receiving votes in the latest NAIA Top-25 Coaches Poll. The road doesn’t get much easier for the Mustangs as the team is slated to visit NAIA No. 9 Madonna University Saturday (Sept. 27) at 1 p.m.

In Friday’s opening set, the Mustangs were looking for the upset, tied 11-11, before the Panthers went on a 7-0 run to put the Green & Gold in an 18-11 hole. The Panthers would close out the first set by a 25-17 final behind 16 kills (two errors). The Mustangs countered with 11 kills (six errors) for a .147 hitting percentage in the first set.

The second set was the most competitive of the night as the Mustangs and Panthers battled for the momentum-swinging set victory. Down 12-8, freshman Amber Kelly (Mt. Morris, Mich./Mt. Morris High School) helped the Mustangs rattle off six-straight points to take a 14-12 lead. From there, the teams would find themselves tied once again, 16-16, before a late Panther run once again closed the door as the home team took the set, 25-20.

A 14-kill, three-error effort highlighted a thrilling second set performance as the Mustangs came within points from knotting up the match at one set apiece.

The Mustangs would come to within three, 10-7, in the third set, but could not slow down the opposition as the Panthers took the set, 25-13, and the match in straight sets.

Senior middle hitter Kiara Cobbs (Detroit, Mich./King High School) once again led the Mustang attack with nine kills and a block. Junior middle hitter Alixandria Pappas (St. Clair Shores, Mich./Lakeview High School) continued her strong season by posting seven kills, while sophomore Ashley Murphy (Southfield, Mich./Livonia Clarenceville High School) and freshman Hailey Brandes (Southgate, Mich./Anderson High School) added five kills each. Brandes would chip in a pair of blocks as well as she continues to improve throughout her freshman campaign.

Sophomore setter Hayley Jury (Plymouth, Mich./Livonia Ladywood High School) returned to action and put together a stellar night at the net for the Mustangs by offering up a team-high 27 assists to go along with six digs and two kills. Kara Kempinski (Livonia, Mich./Schoolcraft College) paced the defense against a tough Panther attack with 15 digs, while sister Nicole Kempinski and Kelly chimed in with eight digs of their own.

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL CONTACT: Tim Johnston | tjohnston@marygrove.edu | @tjohnston56
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