Box Score

By Bradford Sargent
November 29, 2016
 
It has been 24 days since the #1 seeded Westmont Warriors (32-0) suited up for competition.  And it took an extra 30 minutes for play to start.  But the nation's top team wasted no time in handing the Cougars of Indiana University Kokomo (27-8) a straight-set defeat (29-27, 25-13, 25-17) to open pool play. 
 
Indiana University Kokomo, which added volleyball to its sports program in 2011, played a fearless first set against the undefeated Warriors.  The Cougars, riding high after a five-set victory to advance into the Round of 32, jumped out to a 14-11 lead over Westmont.  After a Westmont time out, the Warriors regained the advantage 17-16.  Libby Dahlberg's three kills were crucial in this momentum-tipping run.  Facing a 24-21 deficit, the Cougars roared to a 26-25 lead.  But Westmont did not break.  A vital kill by Cassidy Rea tied the action at 26 apiece.  Moments later, Lindsay Paulo finished off the thrilling 29-27 set. 
 
Westmont showed its quality in sets two and three.  The Warriors earned a 5-0 lead in set two and never looked back.  GSAC All-Star Taylor Beckman had 4 kills in the second set, two of which were set up by Alexa Nestlerode.  Set three saw even contributions from GSAC All-Stars Beckman, Dahlberg, and Neely, each player contributing at least two kills.  Samantha Neely and Amy Buffham combined for the match's final point. 
 
Westmont resumes pool play tomorrow at 11:00 AM PST against Columbia College (MO), which enters the match at 27-11. Head Coach Patti Cook anticipates a competitive clash.  After her team's 3-0 win, Cook stated, "Columbia is strong across the board.  I don't expect them to hand over any points whatsoever.  I am expecting a good hard match."  Columbia won its opening match in straight sets against Indiana Wesleyan. 
 
The Warriors were convincing after 24 days of rest.  Westmont fans hope they can sustain their winning ways after 24 hours of rest.  Check out www.naia.org for tournament updates.