By Ron Smith
August 22, 2018
 
(RIVERSIDE, Calif.) Westmont Volleyball (6-1) completed its play in the La Sierra Tournament with a three-set sweep of Saint Katherine (0-3). Set scores were 25-8, 25-16, 25-11.
 
The match allowed Westmont head coach Patti Cook the opportunity to tinker with her lineup. One of those changes was getting freshman setter Sydny Dunn some playing time.
 
"It was fun to change up the lineup and get some work for different people at different positions," said Cook. "Sydny has been great coming in off the bench. She has a good game feel. She got in there and tried some different things with our middles and right sides."
 
Dunn played as part of a 6-2 offensive scheme (two setters) and tallied 16 assists over three matches. Senior Amy Buffham played in the other half of the rotation and notched 15 assists.
 
Senior Libby Dahlberg recorded 10 kills in 15 attempts to post a .667 attack percentage. She also recorded a game-high four blocks.
 
Sophomore outside hitter Hali Galloway added nine kills and posted a .471 attack percentage while senior right side hitter Samantha Neely contributed eight kills with a .438 attack percentage. Sophomore outside hitter Brooklynn Cheney also posted eight kills.
 
"Hali was hammering away and Brooklynn was finding a lot of success tooling," reported Cook.
 
As a team, Westmont hit .319 (38-8-94) compared to .010 (21-20-98) for Saint Katherine.
 
Leading the defensive effort for the Warriors was sophomore libero Lauren Friis.
 
"Lauren had a great serving day as well as digging," said Cook. "She was flying all over the place and has started to own the backcourt this season."
 
The Warriors totaled 11 service aces, including four by sophomore Madison Morrison.
 
After the first eight days of the season, Westmont has posted a record of 6-1 with its only loss coming to Rocky Mountain (Mont.) in the first match of the year. Asked how she felt about the team's performance, Cook replied, "Well, 6-1 sounds good. I wish we were 7-0. We have grown so much in these seven matches and I think if we were to play that first match again we would come out on top. We are looking more confident and competent as a team."
 
The Warriors are off until Tuesday, August 28 when they will host Antelope Valley in a seven o'clock match.